A new chapter for Meath Pride of Place
Six pillars, one shared community spirit, as awards relaunched
Meath County Council has launched a refreshed and re‑imagined Pride of Place Awards for 2026, introducing a new structure that better reflects the diversity, creativity and commitment found in communities right across the county.
Community pride takes many forms in Meath – from vibrant towns and villages to quietly dedicated volunteers, inclusive initiatives, sporting clubs, cultural celebrations and neighbour‑led residential projects. The updated Pride of Place scheme has been designed to recognise and celebrate all of these efforts, ensuring there is a meaningful opportunity for every community group or association to take part.
At the heart of the 2026 awards is a new framework built around six core pillars, each with multiple categories. This structure moves beyond traditional ideas of place‑making to recognise not just how places look, but how communities connect, include, support wellbeing and celebrate identity.
The Towns and Villages pillar continues to recognise excellence in presentation, environmental care and community involvement. Categories span large towns, small towns, villages and townlands, with population‑based groupings ensuring fairness across entries of all sizes. In addition to the main awards, entrants are also eligible for special recognition such as Community Spirit and Judges’ Choice awards, acknowledging effort, innovation and impact rather than scale alone.
The Residential Areas pillar recognises the pride, energy and leadership shown by residents in housing estates and rural roadscapes. Judging focuses on quality, creativity and community involvement, with size not a determining factor. This pillar highlights the vital role residential communities play in fostering belonging and improving everyday quality of life.
Social inclusion is a strong theme of the new scheme. The Social Inclusion pillar formally recognises initiatives that foster participation, equality and connection across communities. Categories include Age Friendly initiatives, youth‑led projects, LGBTQ+ groups, Traveller‑led initiatives and work supporting minority communities. This pillar reflects Meath County Council’s ongoing commitment to inclusive communities where everyone feels valued and represented.
Health and wellbeing are also central to the 2026 awards through the Sports, Health and Wellbeing pillar. This category celebrates clubs and organisations that enhance physical health, mental wellbeing and community connection through sport, recreation and engagement. From grassroots sports clubs to wellbeing and outdoor initiatives, it recognises the positive role community action plays in supporting healthier lifestyles.
The Culture and Heritage pillar celebrates Meath’s rich cultural life and shared heritage. Categories include arts, heritage, festivals, culture and the Irish language, recognising efforts to preserve traditions, stories and historic places while also supporting creativity and contemporary expression. Culture plays a vital role in shaping community identity, and this pillar ensures those efforts are recognised. The scheme continues to place special emphasis on the people behind the work through the Volunteer of the Year awards, including the Adult Volunteer of the Year and Junior Helping Hero categories, recognising individuals whose generosity, leadership and dedication strengthen communities across the county.
With the introduction of the six‑pillar structure, Meath County Council is keen to emphasise that there is a place in Pride of Place for every type of community group or association – large or small, urban or rural, long‑established or newly formed.
Applications for Pride of Place 2026 are now open. Community Groups, Tidy Towns and Village Committees, Residents Associations and other voluntary groups based in County Meath are invited to apply. Groups may enter up to two categories and may also submit a separate nomination for Volunteer of the Year or Junior Helping Hero. Applications can be completed online, and full details on all categories, criteria and application options are available on meath.ie by searching Pride of Place. Completed application forms may also be submitted by email or post.
The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 5pm on Friday 22nd May 2026.
As Pride of Place 2026 gets underway, Meath County Council encourages groups across the county to take part, share their story and celebrate the pride they take in their place and their people.