A health project to be proud of

A health project established by Cavan GAA was honoured at the recent all-Ireland Pride of Place community awards in Limerick.

Kingspan Breffni, led by Cavan GAA’s Health and Wellbeing Committee, claimed first place in the Inclusive Community category, beating out competition from Wicklow Travellers Group and Ballycommon Telework & Training Centre, Offaly.

Judges were struck by the ambition of the project. 'The judges were very impressed with the passion and enthusiasm demonstrated by the committee and the innovative approach to finding solutions to deliver inclusion to all sectors of the community. The physical displays are very informative and beautifully and sensitively presented. The commitment of the volunteers to operate in a professional manner and deliver on the inclusion agenda deserves acknowledgement.

“They have expertise in sourcing funding and sponsorship and utilising the skills of volunteers when required. This project is a model for community inclusion within sporting organisations. The group are also represented at national level in the GAA and there is potential to recreate what they have achieved across the country, north and south to deliver on inclusion.'

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.

Paying tribute to the communities who were honoured on the evening, Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, said: “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.”

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 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.”