2024 IPB Pride of Place Awards success for Limerick groups

Winners of Cities Category One Urban Neighbourhoods / Villages With A Population Under
3,000 at the 2024 IPB Pride of Place Awards, Johnsgate, Limerick City.

Limerick community groups triumphed at the prestigious 2024 IPB Pride of Place community awards on Saturday

Limerick community groups triumphed at the prestigious Pride of Place community awards on Saturday, November 2 at a gala ceremony in Monaghan.

Johnsgate Residents Association took first place in the Urban Neighbourhood under 3000 category, with judges particularly impressed with the efforts they saw to regenerate the area.

The judges noted, “This inner-city village is effectively a small but important housing estate nestled between the walls of Limerick City and John’s Square, St John’s Cathedral and John’s Graveyard. The area suffered years of neglect, dereliction and anti-social behaviour, intimidation and dumping, constant Garda activity.

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“This led some of the residents, led by a visionary leader to tackle issues by change, thus transforming the Village to an area of Biodiversity, cleanliness, group participation in local events.

“All of this change was exactly as described in the presentation in the subsequent walk around where the wonderful Limerick Pipe band led the way.”

Elsewhere in Limerick The Butterfly Club in Rathkeale was honoured with a Special Award in the Inclusive Communities category.

The initiative was established after the town hosted a community in the Special Olympics of 2003. When the Olympics were over a group of volunteers began to offer respite to local families and create a social club to children with special needs.

With the support of West Limerick services started in Coláiste na Tróciare in Rathkeale in 2004, moving location twice before acquiring a unit in Rathkeale industrial estate in 2017.

The club currently provide monthly respite for 51 special needs children, and their families, in the West Limerick region. With approximately 70 adult and 20 student volunteers, from all over Limerick.

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

“It is not possible to thank this group of people enough for the difference they have made to so many people and their families over 20 years of pure giving. The Butterfly club deserves special recognition.”

Dromcollogher Care Centres and Housing for Older Persons took runner up spot in the Age Friendly Communities category. Established in 2002 through a significant voluntary effort, this centre provides temporary care for older people in County Limerick and North Cork. It offers a twenty-bed residence and is renowned for its compassionate care and community-driven approach.

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

Sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Pride of Place competition was initiated 22 years ago though a Co-operation Ireland programme to acknowledge the invaluable work undertaken by volunteers and those involved in local community development.

It has grown into the largest competition recognising community development achievements on the island of Ireland.

President Michael D. Higgins, Joint Patron of Co-operation Ireland, said the awards played an important role, “The Pride of Place awards are a most important initiative, reminding us that creating societies that are ethical and inclusive is a task for all of our citizens, of all ages and circumstances.”

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, expressed his pride and admiration for the successful Limerick groups, stating, “The achievements of these community groups highlight the incredible spirit and dedication that define Limerick. Their hard work and commitment to making our city a better place are truly inspiring. Congratulations to all the winners and participants for their outstanding contributions. The Council would also like to acknowledge the Rockhill Bruree Community Council. Although they missed out on an award this year, their contributions and commitment to community development are deeply appreciated and valued.”

Director General of Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly commented, “We are immensely proud of the achievements of Johnsgate Residents Association, The Butterfly Club and Dromcollogher & District Respite Care Centres and Housing for Older Persons. Their success at the IPB Pride of Place Awards 2024 is a testament to their unwavering dedication and the positive impact they have on our community. We look forward to continuing to support and celebrate the incredible work of all our community groups.”