Tubbercurry was honoured at the all-Ireland Pride of Place community awards on Friday evening in Limerick. (November 7).
Pride of Place Award for Tubbercurry
Tubbercurry wins at all island IPB Pride of Place Awards
The town claimed first place in the Area with a Population 2000-5000, with Tubbercurry Town Team representatives traveling to the Treaty City for the event.
Judges were struck by the ambition of the project.
“Tubbercurry Town Team is a diverse group of 18 members representing business, community, cultural, sporting, and residential interests. They have developed a Town Centre First plan, which aims to create a vibrant, accessible, and sustainable town.
“They have already secured over €750k in funding, acquired strategic land near the GAA grounds, and advanced plans for a new pump track and community masterplan.
“Planning permission for a redesigned Wolfe Tone Square is in place, positioning the town for future funding. They are also exploring sustainable energy options, including a solar farm and energy co-op. They have a strong relationship with Sligo County Council but are very much in the driving seat in terms of the needs and development of their town and community.
“The Judges met representatives of the constituent members of the Town Team, who in total involve over 100 volunteers. These groups represent business, arts, festivals, sporting organisations, and health and wellbeing groups. It was wonderful to witness a total town cooperation, all working in unison. The group have a strong voluntary leadership team who manage to keep everyone on board. The capacity of this group is as strong as either judge has ever observed.”
The awards, hosted by comedian and broadcaster Dermot Whelan, took place in Limerick’s Strand Hotel, with 400 community volunteers in attendance.
Sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Pride of Place competition was initiated 23 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 grown into the largest competition recognising community development achievements on the island of Ireland.
Cllr Marie Casserly, Cathaoirleach of Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District who attended the ceremony said
“This award is a testament to the extraordinary spirit, vision, and dedication of the people of Tubbercurry. The Town Team has shown what can be achieved when a community comes together with purpose and pride. Their leadership, innovation, and commitment to sustainable development are a shining example for towns across Ireland."
Paying tribute to the communities who were honoured on the evening, Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, said:
"Limerick has been proud to welcome the IPB Pride of Place Awards. These awards are a celebration of community spirit and collaboration and they shine a light on the people and projects that make our towns and villages into the places we call home. For Limerick to host this event is a testament to the resilience and creativity of our communities, with plenty of success across our city and county in these awards over recent years. We are continuing to build a future rooted in pride, partnership and possibility in Limerick, while thriving on doing things differently.”
Cllr Catherine Slattery, Príomh Chomhairleoir, Limerick City and County Council, said:
“The Pride of Place Awards are a powerful celebration of the people who make our communities thrive. We are especially proud to host this year’s event in Limerick and to see local groups like Thomondgate Residents Association, Templeglantine, Foynes Flying Boat Museum and The Local Hub Glenbrohane recognised for their outstanding contributions. These awards honour the spirit of collaboration, inclusion, and pride that defines community life across Ireland.”
Director General, Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly commented:
“It was a tremendous honour for us to host the IPB Pride of Place Awards here in Limerick and I want to thank IPB, Co-Operation Ireland, the Pride of Place Committee and our own Council Staff who made this event such a success. Heartfelt congratulations to all of the winners and nominees for their remarkable dedication and creativity in enhancing the places we call home. Your efforts strengthen local pride, foster connection, and make Limerick and Ireland a better place for everyone.”
Pride of Place founder and Chairman Tom Dowling said:
“After 23 years of these motivational awards recognising exceptional community endeavour, the judges continue to be inspired and humbled in equal measures, as they hear directly from the nominated communities their story of their pride in their place and the extraordinary work they are doing to ease the path of life for all the people in their place irrespective of date or place of birth, ability or wealth.”
Ian Jeffers, CEO of Co-operation Ireland said,
“For more than two decades, Pride of Place has been a celebration of the people and communities. These awards recognise the strength, resilience and local pride that drives real change at grassroots level.
Their importance goes beyond the ceremony. Pride of Place continues to play a central role in Co-operation Ireland’s wider work to build positive relationships and deepen shared understanding between communities across the island. The ongoing success of the awards is thanks to the volunteers who give so much of themselves to the places they call home.”
John Hogan, Chairman, IPB Insurance said.
“IPB Insurance is proud to sponsor the IPB Pride of Place awards alongside Cooperation Ireland and local authorities north and south. These awards honour the volunteers and communities whose dedication and teamwork make a real difference across the island of Ireland. Their efforts show what can be achieved when we work together with purpose and pride. I encourage everyone to celebrate and support these inspiring groups, and to get involved in building even stronger, more inclusive communities.”