TWO County Limerick groups scooped top awards at the Pride of Place Awards in Belfast.
Now in its 14th year, the all-island competition promotes and celebrates the best in community development and recognises the selfless efforts of people in making their neighbourhoods better places to live, work and socialise.
Known affectionately as the “Community Oscars”, this year saw a broad spectrum of groups nominated, ranging from small rural communities to inner city housing estates.
Two groups from County Limerick were presented with top awards in the competition.
Broadford Development Association took top place in the category for neighbourhoods with a population of less than 300, while the St Joseph’s Foundation’s Liskennett Farm took one of the Special awards.
In their praise for Broadford Development Association, the judges said: “No project is too daunting or initiative too onerous for the category winning community. They have undertaken a prodigious amount of work through the years including developing social housing, providing great sporting facilities, building an enterprise centre and many other initiatives. This, above all, is a caring community with a wonderful cohort of young people justifiably and demonstrably proud of their place”.
They went on to describe Liskennett Farm as a “truly inspiring initiative”.
“Liskennett Farm demonstrated what can be achieved with attention to detail, single mindedness and dedication in delivering a service that is making a real difference. The testimonials from the families of the end users were telling indeed. Positive care and support is required for persons who have autism. It is being provided here in this wonderful rural setting.”
Tom Dowling, founder of the event and chairman of the Pride of Place Committee congratulated all the groups.
“Each year the competition continues to grow with communities nominated by local authorities all over Ireland, demonstrating their pride in their place to our judges,” he said.
by Alan Jacques
