18/07/2012 -

Pride of Place Awards 2012

Pride of Place Judging at Skreen, Dromard & Beltra

The community of Skreen, Dromard & Beltra entertained judges from Co-operation Ireland on Monday 23rd July as they represented Sligo in the Pride of Place competition 2012. Entrants to the competition, which is sponsored by Irish Public Bodies Mutual Insurances Ltd., are nominated by their local Council to showcase the community activities in their area.

Leas Cathaoirleach Dara Mulvey welcomed the judges to Sligo at the Skreen/Dromard Community Centre and they then received a presentation on the area, the community achievements to date and their future plans from members of the Skreen/Dromard Community Council Tisha Kelly, Eileen Buchanan and Kieran Kennedy. A bus tour of the area hosted by Martin Wilson then highlighted many local landmarks including schools, the primary care centre, Holy Hill hermitage and Dunmoran beach.

Representatives from more than 30 local community groups then gathered in Beltra Hall to talk to the judges and exhibit the spirit of the community. The event was also attended by Tony McLoughlin T. D., Cllr. Mary Barrett and Cllr. Michael Clarke.

Sligo County Council encourages community groups to take part in this competition as it fosters community participation and highlights the importance of communities working together. Further information on the Pride of Place competition is available from Dolores McDonagh, Community & Enterprise, Sligo County Council, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo. Tel. 071 9111802

Skreen, Dromard and Beltra Prepare to Represent the County in the Pride of Place Awards 2012

The wet summer and gloomy economic climate are doing little to dampen the spirits of hundreds of people, young and old alike, in the community of Skreen, Dromard and Beltra. They're preparing for the 2012 Pride of Place Awards, a Co-Operation Ireland funded, all-island competition which aims to recognise improvements by local communities to promote civic pride.

As the only community to be nominated by Sligo County Council, Skreen, Dromard and Beltra will represent not only themselves, but the entire county at an awards ceremony later this year. The area was selected for its rich heritage and long-standing spirit of community - which dates back as far as 1912, when records for the Beltra Show Committee first began.

As with many similar communities, employment in the area is mainly in agricultural activities. But community members work hard at supporting indigenous businesses with the assistance of organisations such as the Sligo LEADER Partnership, County Enterprise Board and Sligo County Council.

Beltra Hall, the Community Centre and the Eamon Burke Community Park are examples of how well the community has pulled together and worked tirelessly to develop local amenities.  Whilst the publication of the book ‘Skreen, Dromard, History and Heritage’, is a testament to the local people involved, who have documented the story of their area for future generations to come.

The above achievements are examples of the spirit, values and determination of the community groups who have worked tirelessly to develop the social and economic life of the Skreen, Dromard and Beltra community.