LIMERICK community groups triumphed at the prestigious Pride of Place community awards on Saturday night at a gala ceremony in Monaghan.

Johnsgate Residents Association took first place in the Urban Neighborhood under 3,000 category, with the judges particularly impressed with the efforts they saw to regenerate the area.

“This inner city village is actually a small but important housing estate situated between Limerick city walls and John’s Square, St John’s Cathedral and St John’s Churchyard. The area suffered years of neglect, neglect and anti-social behaviour, bullying and dumping, and constant Garda activity.

“This led some of the residents, led by a visionary leader, to address the problems through change, thus transforming the Village into an area of ​​biodiversity, cleanliness and group participation in local events.

“This whole change was exactly as described in the performance on the tour afterwards, where the wonderful band Limerick Pipe led the way.”

Rathkeale Butterfly Club was honored with a Special Award in the Inclusive Communities category at the awards ceremony which took place on Saturday 2 November.

The initiative was established after the city hosted a community at the 2003 Special Olympics. After the Olympics ended, a group of volunteers began offering respite to local families and creating a social club for children with special needs.

With support from West Limerick, services began at Coláiste na Trócaire in Rathkeale in 2004, and moved locations twice before acquiring a unit at Rathkeale Industrial Estate in 2017.

The club currently offers monthly respite to 51 children with special needs and their families in the West Limerick region. The club has approximately 70 adult and 20 student volunteers from across Limerick.

The judges said they were both “excited, happy and sad in equal measure, as leaders, parents and an extraordinary young woman spoke of the difference this facility has made in their lives.

“This group of people cannot be thanked enough for the difference they have made to so many people and their families over 20 years of pure generosity. The Mariposa club deserves special recognition.”

Dromcollogher Senior Housing and Care Centers came second in the age-friendly communities category.

The awards, hosted by RTE’s Brendan McArdle, took place in front of 400 community volunteers from across the island. The awards were presented in partnership with Monaghan County Council.

Sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Pride of Place competition was started 22 years ago through a Cooperation Ireland program to recognize the invaluable work carried out by volunteers and those involved in local community development.

It has become the largest competition recognizing community development achievements on the island of Ireland.

President Michael D. Higgins, joint patron of Cooperation Ireland, said: “The Pride of Place Awards are a very important initiative, reminding us that creating societies that are ethical and inclusive is a task for all our citizens, of all ages. and circumstances.”

Pride of Place founder and chairman Tom Dowling said: “After 22 extraordinary years, our judges never cease to be inspired by the wonderful achievements of fantastic communities. nominated by their local council to represent their place in these prestigious awards.”

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Ian Jeffers, chief executive of Co-operative Ireland, said: “Co-operative Ireland has no other program that embodies the spirit of the charity better than Pride of Place.

“We work to build relationships across the island and Pride of Place plays a vital role in that work. “The impact the awards have had on towns and villages across the island cannot be underestimated since they began two decades ago, and the continued success of the awards is down to the dedicated volunteers and their love of where they live.”

said John Hogan, president of IPB Insurance. “On behalf of our local authority members, we are proud to be associated with the Pride of Place Awards as title sponsors. This is truly a unique competition, providing an island-wide platform that recognizes the great strides volunteers are making in building more inclusive, sustainable and welcoming communities.

“These awards shine a light on the work being done in our communities by celebrating volunteers who give their time in a spirit of collaboration. Their selfless efforts are making a real difference to everyone who lives and works in their communities. “It is therefore essential that we celebrate the excellent work done on the island of Ireland by showing what can be achieved when we all work together.”