Four Limerick Communities Show Pride Of Place

Pride of Place, which is run by Co-operation Ireland in conjunction with local authorities north and south of the border, was first piloted in the summer of 2003 and came from the Local Authority All-Island Steering Forum - a forum that encourages strategic, sustainable approaches to cross border co-operation.

County Limerick will once again be hoping to achieve national recognition in a competition that last year saw Glin being named one of the principal winners.

The County will be represented in this year’s competition by Friar’s Gate Theatre in Kilmallock (Single Issue Arts - Community Arts Initiative), Galbally (Category 2 - Population 200 to 500), Kylefea Caemore Court in Croom (Housing Estate) and Kilmeedy Local Training Initiative (Single Issue Employment - Community Response to Unemployment).

Judging in this year’s competition takes place early next month in Friar’s Gate Theatre and Galbally (Tuesday, August 3rd), and Kylefea Caemore Court and Kilmeedy Local Training Initiative (Wednesday, August 4th).

Councillor Richard Butler, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council commented: "Ahead of the judging stage of the competition, County Limerick’s four participating communities are busily preparing itineraries and presentations, outlining achievements and pride initiatives. Judging day is a special occasion and an opportunity for the people of Galbally, Kilmeedy, Kilmallock and Croom to show pride in their respective areas by supporting organised events."

According to Josephine Cotter Coughlan, Director of Services, Community and Enterprise: "This competition focuses on local communities, both north and south of the border, coming together to shape, change and enjoy all that is good about their area. Groups are presented with the opportunity to network, exchange ideas and learn from others and further promote their activities."

Ms. Cotter Coughlan continued: "Building on the success of last year when Glin won its category, we are entering 4 communities in the eighth annual Pride of Place competition. We are confident that our four chosen nominees will perform excellently in their respective categories and will help sustain County Limerick’s impressive performance in the competition to date."

County Limerick has enjoyed considerable success in the All-Island competition in previous years and will this year be seeking the win the ‘Best County Award’. Glin (2009), Cappamore (2008) and Drumcollogher and District Respite Centre (2007) were named overall winners in their respective categories while five other Limerick communities finished as runners up in the last five years.

The winners in each competition category will receive an exclusive crystal decorative memento, along with a monetary prize. Runners up will receive a framed certificate and a monetary prize, while the recipients of special awards receive a crystal memento.


-ENDS-

Note for Editors:
- To arrange an interview with Dara McGuigan, County Liaison Officer, Limerick County Council, please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 086-8534900 or media ( @ ) dunphypr dot com