Two community groups based in Tipperary were honoured at the prestigious Pride of Place community awards held on Saturday at a gala ceremony in Monaghan.
Knockmealdown Active took first place in the Community Well-Being Initiative category. The judges praised the group for the range of activities and events organised by the group, most of which are held outdoors. Knockmealdown Active operates as a social enterprise to improve the wellbeing of both local residents and visitors. Knockmealdown Active is a multi-community initiative to promote trade and tourism at the foothills of the Knockmealdown Mountains in South Tipperary and West Waterford. The communities involved are Ballyporeen, Clogheen, Goatenbridge, Ardfinnan and Newcastle.
A group from Templemore that created The Sounds of Semple, were runners up in the Creative Communities category. The group produced a video that can be viewed at this link here. Sounds of Semple is a production by Music Generation Tipperary in partnership with St. Colmcille’s Primary School Templemore, and St. Joseph’s Primary School, with additional performance by the Music Generation Tipperary Trad Ensemble.
Sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Pride of Place competition was initiated 22 years ago though a Co-operation Ireland programme to acknowledge the invaluable work undertaken by volunteers and those involved in local community development.
President Michael D. Higgins, Joint Patron of Co-operation Ireland says “The Pride of Place awards are a most important initiative, reminding us that creating societies that are ethical and inclusive is a task for all of our citizens, of all ages and circumstances.” Former Tipperary Councillor John Hogan is the current Chairman of IPB Insurance, the Award sponsor. Mr Hogan adds that “These awards shine a light on the work being done in our communities by celebrating the volunteers who give of their time in the spirit of collaboration.”
