Pride of Place Awards: 'A celebration of remarkable individuals and communities who go above and beyond...'
Kieran Kehoe - CE Meath Co Council
The Pride of Place awards honour the remarkable contributions of individuals and groups dedicated to improving their local neighbourhoods, creating better places to live, work, do business, and socialise.
That's according to Kieran Kehoe, CE Meath Co Council speaking at the early launch of the initiative this year encouraging local volunteers and groups to enter into the Pride of Place spirit.
"Volunteerism is a cornerstone of community resilience and exemplifies the very spirit of mutual support and care that these Awards continue to champion. The awards not only celebrate the remarkable individuals and groups who go above and beyond for their communities but also aim to inspire others to join in the pursuit of creating better, more liveable places for all in County Meath.
"The initiative's success is evident in the numbers who take part each year across the county. I believe that with the commitment of the many volunteers and the support of Meath County Council, we will be able to continue to work together to build strong, sustainable, and confident communities that are so important for our daily lives and our future.
"Resources are always a challenge, which makes the work being done in our communities incredibly important for the county. Meath County Council would not be able to carry out the vital works that we see in each corner of every town, village, and community in our County without the generous and selfless assistance of its communities.
"The Pride of Place initiative will continue to evolve so that it remains relevant and reflective of the activities of community groups as they continue to build strong and sustainable communities.
"The Pride of Place initiative gives Meath Co Council an opportunity to thank all community groups and to acknowledge the hard work that is carried out every year in Meath.
"The work that the volunteers do is vital in the development of strong communities. These communities keep us safe and support us when things are difficult; they rally around when things are tough and celebrate together when things are good.
"These efforts will create the communities of tomorrow, and that is why it is so important that we encourage and set an example to the young people within each of our communities so that this work can continue and be built upon.
"It has been evident throughout the last 20 years that the citizens of Meath are committed to working together for the good of their locality, their community and the County as a whole.
"This is the 21st year of Pride of Place; in this time, it has grown from strength to strength, with a record number of applications made last year across all categories.
"We are so lucky in Meath to have a wonderful network of community groups that passionately and ardently work towards better communities, community groups that actively turn challenges into opportunities.
"This year, there is a category for everyone, from youth projects to community age-friendly projects; we are also delighted to introduce a new category, Meath’s Best Green Kilometre.
"The early launch of the initiative this year will enable groups to focus on specific projects for the summer judging period.
"We are looking forward to seeing applications from both seasoned and emerging groups in 2023."
This year's categories are:
Cat 1 - Housing Estates/Apartment Complex/ Residential Streetscape
Cat 2 - Towns & Villages
Cat 3 – Bee & Wildlife Friendly Garden
Cat 4 – Green Community Amenity
Cat 5 – Green Kilometre
Cat 6 – Community Group
Cat 7 – Community Wellbeing
Cat 8 – Youth Project
Cat 9 – Community Age Friendly
Cat 10 – Heritage
Cat 11 – Volunteer of the Year
Applications can be made online, via email or by post. The closing date for applications is Friday 31st May at 5pm. Queries to prideofplace@meathcoco.ie
NOW READ THE VOLUNTEERS STORIES: