Pride of Place judges visit Achill and Kilmovee
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Hearing all about what happens at Kilmovee community garden.Image 2 of 5
Pride of Place judges with members of the Kilmovee committee in The Hub.Image 3 of 5
The judges receive a fitstick demonstration in Achill.Image 4 of 5
Representatives of Achill Tourism with the Pride of Place judges.Image 5 of 5
The judges heard how Achill’s beaches are being made more accessible with facilities such as the beach wheelchair on Doogort beach.THE final stages of judging for the 2022 IPB Pride of Place competition in Mayo took place last Thursday and Friday, when adjudicators visited two Mayo communities.
Pride of Place is an all island competition organised by Co-operation Ireland and the local authorities to acknowledge the work being done every day by communities all over the island of Ireland.
Mayo County Council has nominated two groups for Pride of Place 2022:
Kilmovee - Category 2 - Population (300 - 1,000).
Achill Tourism - Category 9 - Community Tourism Initiatives.
During their two-day visit to Mayo, judges met with community representatives in both areas.
The visit consisted of a formal presentation by representatives of the local community highlighting the aspects of which they are particularly proud and the reason why they deserve a Pride of Place award, followed by a short tour to showcase all elements of pride/volunteer and community efforts/initiatives in the area.
Visiting Kilmovee were Pride of Place judges Declan Nelson and Tim Cafferkey, who were hosted by Kilmovee’s Pride of Place Committee and met various groups in the area from the active retired group, GAA, Foróige, the local swimming pool and many more.
The sun shone for the day and the tour finished up with some local live music and singing in The Thatch.
The judges who visited with Achill Tourism were Declan Nelson and Liam Hannaway and on arrival they were treated to music by Scoil Acla.
Again, they were brought 'on tour', where community initiatives on Achill Island were highlighted, from the cycle trail to the greenway park run, Achill Wheelers, and the fitstick walkers. Members of the Achill community met with the judges to demonstrate their initiatives and discuss community and tourist participation in local events and all things good about Achill.
Mayo County Council has extended thanks to both groups on their huge efforts for Pride of Place 2022.
Winners will be announced in January.
Speaking about this year’s competition, Catherine McConnell, acting chief executive, Mayo County Council, in supporting this year’s community groups, said: "We as a local authority appreciate the work, commitment and continued dedication to making Mayo look its best and adding value to the county. We will continue to support ongoing efforts to create strong, vibrant and sustainable communities.
"I would like to congratulate this year’s groups on their own achievements, on being nominated to represent Mayo in this national, prestigious competition. On behalf of Mayo County Council, I wish them every success."
Joanne Grehan, director of services for community engagement, added: "It is a wonderful competition which showcases and highlights best practices in communities throughout Mayo.
"Mayo County Council and the municipal districts work closely with our community groups in Mayo; we recognise and appreciate the level of volunteerism of all community groups which has helped to make Mayo a great place in which to live, visit, work and invest."
* More photos from the visits below