Judges visit Mayo sites for final Pride of Place stages

The final judging stages of this year’s IPB Pride of Place Competition have taken place in Mayo.

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

Judges Declan Nelson and Katrina Murphy received a warm welcome in Louisburgh on August 7.  As nominees in the 2,000 to 5,000 category, the visit provided the Louisburgh community with the opportunity to highlight and showcase all events and activities in the area and the positive impact for those living in Louisburgh and the surrounding area. 

Members of Beach Clean Up, Louisburgh Scouts, Mná na Mara and Louisburgh Horseshow gathered at Carrowmore Beach to welcome the Judges.  Declan Nelson opened the event by highlighting the goal of Pride of Place competition, which is to celebrate communities that unite to enhance their environment and quality of life for all who live there.  

The judges were treated to a host of entertainment on the Square with traditional music and Irish dancing.  

Councillor Chris Maxwell was ‘overwhelmed’ by the commitment and dedication of all volunteers within each community group. 

He added: “They go above and beyond to have a positive impact on those living in Louisburgh.  I am delighted and proud to show the judges the strong community involvement and community action projects we have here in Louisburgh.  I wish all involved the best of luck for the awards.”

Judges were also scheduled to visit Inisturk on August 7, however bad weather warnings forced this visit to be postponed until next month.  

Mayo’s second visit was to the Ballina Karen Community Green Garden on August 8 by judges Katrina Murphy and Tom Dowling.  

The Ballina Karen Community Garden was founded in early 2008 by a Community Integration Officer working with the Burmese Karen Programme Refugees in Mayo. The land for the garden was donated by Bishop John Fleming, providing an opportunity for the newly arrived Karen families to grow their own food and facilitate their integration into Ballina. 

Supported by local volunteers since its inception, the garden now welcomes migrants and refugees from across the globe, from Ukraine to Ghana, Myanmar to Botswana, as well as service users from disability groups, youth organisations and schools. The focus is as much on growing community and friendships as it is on growing food. 

Cathaoirleach John O’Hara praised the initiative, and said the difference the work of the volunteers has made in people’s lives has been ‘exceptional’. 

Deirdre Finnerty, Head of Community who accompanied the judges expressed gratitude to all groups nominated for Pride of Place, and said the Local Authority were ‘extremely grateful’ to all the groups and volunteers who brought judges on their tour in such a vibrant, informative, and friendly manner.  

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.