Taking pride in your own place

Local communities, project group and housing estate residents around Clare are being encouraged to participate in the IPB Pride of Place 2016, in association with Co-operation Ireland.

The closing date for receipt of expression of interests is 4pm on Thursday, March 31.

This annual all-island initiative, which is hosted by Co-operation Ireland and sponsored by IPB Insurance, is run in conjunction with local authorities, North and South, and aims to recognise and celebrate the contributions made by communities to society.

Nominated Clare communities will be hoping to emulate the local successes of recent years, including the first place award to Doonbeg Community Development last year, Killaloe and Tuamgraney’s runner-up finishes in 2014 and Miltown Malbay’s first place award in 2013. Clare County Council also won a special award in 2014 for its contribution to the competition since it was first established in 2003.

Clare County Council may nominate one group per category, providing the total number nominated does not exceed five. Judging for Pride of Place 2016 takes place between June and August.

Winners, runners up and special award recipients will receive a trophy and small monetary prize at November’s awards ceremony, at a location and date yet to be confirmed.

Further information on the competition is available at www.prideofplace.ie.