Pride in the county

By Geraldine Fitzgerald

Cork County Council has nominated four entrants for the IPB Pride of Place Competition for 2021.

This is the nineteenth year of the popular Pride of Place competition, designed to celebrate and acknowledge great community work.

The entrants are Ballinadee Community Hall Development Association, Kilworth Community Council, Carrigaline Tidy Towns and Lehanmore Community Council in different categories.

Ballinadee Community Hall Development Association was formed in 2016 to reopen the derelict village hall originally built in 1954. The group raised over €65,000 and the newly renovated hall reopened in September 2019 and is now a hub for many community events and activities.

Kilworth Community Council was founded in 1959 and has been responsible for delivering a multitude of community- enhancing developments, from educational and cultural to social and sporting projects.

Carrigaline Tidy Towns show unwavering dedication to improving and enhancing the town for 40 years. The committee’s vision has allowed for the initiation and execution of many projects, including engaging with local schools to promote the importance of recycling and training for young people in flower/shrub preparation.

Lehanmore Community Council on the beautiful Beara Peninsula was founded to counteract the depopulation of the area and has worked to renovate the local community centre to re-establish the centre as a focal point for the area.

Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Mary Linehan Foley extended her congratulations to each of the groups nominated. “The past year has reinforced the importance of community spirit and the support that is provided by our local groups and organisations right across Cork county. The value of these groups cannot be underestimated. I am delighted to see Cork county so well represented once again at this year’s Pride of Place Awards and I wish our four nominees the very best of luck.”

Chief Executive of Cork County Council Tim Lucey added: “It’s an opportunity to recognise the tireless work of people who give selflessly for the benefit of their communities. By working alongside groups such as these, the Council will continue to deliver local projects that make a tangible difference for the citizens of Cork county.”

The IPB Pride of Place Awards 2021 are scheduled to take place on 20 November.