Five County Cork Communities Nominated for Pride of Place Awards

Cork County Council has confirmed that five community groups will represent County Cork at the 2024 IPB Pride of Place Awards, in association with Co-operation Ireland. Now in its 22nd consecutive year, the competition acknowledges the work undertaken every day by communities all over the island of Ireland.

The Cork County nominees are Milford Community Council, Durrus Community Council, Mallow Castle Community Development Committee, Together at the Castle Committee (Mallow), and Passage West Creates.

Welcoming the nominations, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Frank O’Flynn said,

I am delighted to see five exceptional community nominations from Cork County for this year’s Pride of Place Awards. This prestigious competition recognises the remarkable efforts and dedication of communities across Ireland. Our nominees highlight just some of the many diverse initiatives undertaken by communities the length and breadth of the county to support well-being, inclusiveness and creativity. I commend the tireless work of each of the nominated groups and wish them the best as they welcome the judges during the summer months.

Millford Community Council is shortlisted in Category 1 for populations of up to 300 people. They partnered with Cork County Council to foster an inclusive community that embraces all village groups. They host regular meetings in the community hall, to address issues and secure funding to enhance the North Cork village. New footpaths and traffic calming measures were completed, and the community actively engage in regular street cleaning and tidying with everyone from ages 9 to 90 taking part.

The village of Durrus is nominated in Category 2 for populations of 300-1000 people. It is a shining example of community spirit and dedication, the community hall serves as a vibrant focal point, hosting a range of activities such as parent & toddler group, Foróige, indoor bowls, men’s group, and men’s choir. The sensory garden on Phillips Green provides a haven for relaxation and socialisation, hosting events like drop-in-mornings, chess club, yoga, and art classes that promote wellbeing and creativity.

Mallow features twice and both with a focus around the Cork County Council owned Mallow Castle. Mallow Castle Community Development Committee is shortlisted in the Inclusive Communities category. They host events throughout the year that are wheelchair accessible, are autism friendly and have a welcome for everyone. With support from Cork County Council, they created Mallow Castle Haunted Walk which transformed the trails at Halloween. For Christmas, this same location was an illuminated walk with favourite Christmas. In May, they hosted their first family dun day with entertainment, old-fashioned games and magic shows.

The Together at the Castle Committee is nominated for Community Well Being Initiative. The free mental health and wellbeing event takes place on a Sunday in September at Mallow Castle each year. It is supported by Cork/Kerry Community Healthcare (HSE), Mallow Chamber, Cork County Council, Avondhu Blackwater Partnership, AIB and mental health organisations SHINE and See Change. The event features entertainment, recreational activities and is an opportunity to highlight local services and groups that provide mental health information and support in Cork.

Passage West Creates is shortlisted for Creative Communities. The not-for-profit collective began with an idea in 2018 to transform a tiny vacant unit on Main Street into a vibrant Christmas pop-up. It now hosts 30 craft makers from Cork’s Lower Harbour and provides a local option for affordable, accessible and ethical gifting. The collective hosts regular workshops, festivals and collaborates with local groups.

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Valerie O’Sullivan added,

The IPB Pride of Place Awards highlight the remarkable contributions made by communities and Cork County Council is thrilled to confirm the five outstanding nominations representing our county. The commendable efforts of these community groups in Milford, Durrus, Mallow and Passage West demonstrate the dedication and commitment of Cork County's residents to improving their local areas

Judges will visit communities during July and August before the announcement of winners at the IPB Pride of Place Gala Dinner and Award Ceremony 2024 in the Hillgrove Hotel, Monaghan on the 2nd of November, 2024.