Judging for Pride of Place awards is underway in Mayo

The final stages of judging for the 2024 IPB Pride of Place Competition in Mayo will take place today and tomorrow.

The IPB Pride of Place competition, in association with Co-operation Ireland, is an all-island competition organised by Co-operation Ireland and the Local Authorities. The purpose of the competition is to acknowledge the work being done every day by communities all over the island of Ireland.

Mayo County Council has nominated three groups for the competition including Inisturk Island, Louisburgh Community, and Ballina Karen Community Garden.

“Community groups are the backbone of this county, they put themselves out there every day to improve life in their areas," said Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr John O'Hara.

“I want to wish all the Mayo groups the best of luck during the judging process, and I know they will do the county and themselves proud. To get this far in the competition is a phenomenal achievement and recognises the outstanding work they have already done,” he added. The ‘Judge's Call’ is the final stage of the Pride of Place application, in which judges pay a visit to each of these community groups put forward for the competition by Mayo County Council. During the two-day visit, the judges will visit and meet with community representatives in each area.

Judges are visiting Inisturk and Louisburgh today, and Ballina Community Garden tomorrow. 

Speaking about this year’s competition, Tom Gilligan, Acting/Chief Executive, Mayo County Council, said: “We as a Local Authority appreciate the work, commitment, and continued dedication to making Mayo look its best and adding value to the County. 

“Mayo has a massive network of communities and the good work being done always starts at home locally on the ground.  I would like to congratulate this year’s groups on their own achievements, on being nominated to represent Mayo in this National, prestigious competition.  On behalf of Mayo County Council, I wish them every success with Pride of Place 2024,” continued Mr Gilligan.

Deirdre Finnerty, Head of Community Engagement on Pride of Place, called it a ‘wonderful competition’, showcasing and highlighting the ‘best practices in communities throughout Mayo’.

The Pride of Place awards ceremony will be announced at an awards night on November 2, 2024, hosted by Monaghan County Council and will be held in the Hillgrove Hotel Monaghan.