Banada Development Agency took runner-up prize in the annual Co-operation Ireland All-Island Pride of Place Awards announced at the gala ceremony in Gorey, County Wexford on Saturday 5th November. They received their award in Category eight, which is a single-issue themed category ‘Community Health Initiative’.
The All-Island Pride of Place Competition recognises and celebrates the vital contributions that community partnerships make to society. The focus is on people coming together to shape, change and enjoy all that is good about their local area. The Competition is run by Co-operation Ireland in conjunction with the Pride of Place Steering Committee. Each year community groups are nominated by Sligo County Council to represent the county in this prestigious competition.
Further information is available from Dolores McDonagh, Community and Enterprise Telephone 071 9111802.
- Representatives from Banada Development Agency receive their Pride of Place Award from Chairman of Wexford County Council Tom Oliver, Christopher Moran, Chairman of Co-operation Ireland and Tom Dowling, Chairman of Pride of Place Committee
Sligo County Council would like to congratulate and thank the three groups who represented County Sligo in the Co-operation Ireland All-Island Pride of Place Competition 2011. The groups are to be commended for their hard work in preparing for the competition and presenting their projects on judging day. The three groups are:
| Group | Category |
|---|---|
| Banada Development Agency | Community Health Initiative |
| Enniscrone Leisure Ltd. t/a Waterpoint | Community Tourism Initiative |
| Ballymote Business Association | Population 1000-2000 |
The judges, from Co-operation Ireland, first visited Banada Development Agency on Wednesday 3rd August 2011 in the Corpus Christi Village, Tourlestrane. A presentation was given by the group outlining the numerous projects they have undertaken and their achievements to date such as the development of Banada Primary Care Centre in conjunction with the HSE, a Rural Transport Bus Service and a Meals-on-wheels service.
As part of the judging process the judges also mingled with group members and viewed the various project information displays, in order to obtain a greater understanding of the group and their achievements.
- Members of Banada Development Agency, the local community, the Cathaoirleach, Councillor Michael Fleming, Sligo County Council Members and officials with Co-operation Ireland Judges
- Co-operation Ireland judges on walkabout with Members of Banada Development Agency and the local community
- Members of Banada Development Agency and local visitors with Co-operation Ireland judges
On Thursday 4th August 2011, the judges travelled to Enniscrone where they received a warm welcome from staff of Waterpoint and members of the local community.
Waterpoint, an aqua leisure facility in operation since 1999 also features a gym, health suite, outdoor playground and Astroturf pitches. Following a tour of the facilities, and a detailed presentation by the group, the judges were shown around the beautiful village of Enniscrone and visited the local hotels and other enterprises. It was evident from the presentation that Waterpoint has contributed to the local community and to enhancing the tourist market for Enniscrone. Waterpoint is a member of the Discover Enniscrone Marketing Group which aims to promote Enniscrone as a premier tourism destination in Ireland and abroad. Again, it was obvious that the group had put a lot of energy and commitment into preparing for the Pride of Place Competition.
- Co-operation Ireland judges with staff of Waterpoint and a member of the local community
- Co-operation Ireland judges with staff of Waterpoint, the Cathaoirleach, Councillor Michael Fleming, and local community members
On the afternoon of Thursday 4th August the judges then travelled to Ballymote to meet with Ballymote Business Association. The members gave a detailed presentation highlighting their achievements to date which included organising and funding of the Christmas lights in the town, hosting a very successful St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 2011 and many other projects benefiting the local community and businesses in Ballymote.
As part of the visit, judges were given the opportunity to speak with business proprietors in the town and also visited the site of the new cinema. The group then visited the new Ballymote Fire Station where various local groups had the opportunity to showcase their projects to the judges. It was very evident that this group had worked tirelessly on preparing for the day.
- Ballymote Business Association with Co-operation Ireland judges, the Cathaoirleach, Councillor Michael Fleming, Sligo County Council Members and officials
- Co-operation Ireland Judges in conversation with representative from Eagles Flying ~ Irish Raptor Research Centre
- Co-operation Ireland judges Tom Dowling and Allison Dowling with Donncha O'Connor, Padraic Rogers and Michael Rogers
Sligo County Council would like to take this opportunity to thank the three groups for representing Sligo in the Co-operation Ireland All-Island Pride of Place Competition 2011. 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.
Results of this competition will be announced at the Co-operation All-Island Pride of Place Awards night in November 2011. Best wishes to the three groups on the night and with their future projects/work. Further information available from the Community and Enterprise Office on 071 – 9111800.