Courtmac bursting with pride
Celebrations are continuing in Courtmacsherry after the area was awarded for its community spirit.
Courtmacsherry and the Seven Heads Peninsula was honoured at the recent all-Ireland 2019 Pride of Place Awards with the seaside village taking first place in the Islands and Coastal Communities category.
The judges said: “The walk through the village and the boat trip only served to enhance the judges’ positive view of the place. Stand out features of the visit included the work of the RNLI volunteers, the remarkable reach of the village’s history, the pride in its local GAA star and the fantastic community shop run by volunteers.
“Surely the best accolade a community can hear is when the judges declare that they cannot wait to return to this stunningly beautiful coastal village and stay awhile.”
Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Christopher O’Sullivan said: “This is such a well deserved win for Courtmacsherry, a place quite close to my heart, and for the dynamic and energetic community who take huge pride in their beautiful locality. My congratulations go out to all the communities from around the county nominated this evening. They have all, without exception, demonstrated dedication, community spirit, inclusiveness and pride of place and a very real commitment to working collaboratively with the council.”
Also receiving runner up prizes at the awards were Cork Community Artlink, Cork Sanctuary Runners and The Boherbue Footpath Initiative.
Pride of Place founder and Chairman Tom Dowling said: “These awards continue to be as important as ever after all these years and the purpose of the awards has never changed. They are about recognising and celebrating the extraordinary, inspirational tireless work being done by communities all over the island of Ireland as they strive to make their place a better place in which to live.”
900 representatives from counties across Ireland gathered in the Lyrath Estate Hotel in Kilkenny for the awards.
Sponsored by IPB, the Pride of Place competition began 18 years ago though a Co-operation Ireland programme to acknowledge the invaluable work undertaken by volunteers and those involved in local community development.
It has since grown into the largest competition recognising community development achievements on the island of Ireland.
Pride of Place founder and Chairman Tom Dowling said: “These awards continue to be as important as ever after all these years and the purpose of the awards has never changed. They are about recognising and celebrating the extraordinary, inspirational tireless work being done by communities all over the island of Ireland as they strive to make their place a better place in which to live.”
Dr Christopher Moran, Chairman of Co-operation Ireland, said: “Pride of Place deserves its position as one of the most prestigious community awards on the island of Ireland and Co-operation Ireland is delighted that it continues to go from strength to strength.”