Tinryland took a top prize in the annual IPB Co-operation Ireland Pride of Place Awards, which were announced on Saturday night, 14 November at a glittering gala event in Ennis Co. Clare. More than 800 people from across the island of Ireland filled the venue to hear the winners announced by RTE’s Ciana Campbell.

Tinryland took runner up place in the main competition in the category for neighbourhoods with populations of up to 300 people which is a very competitive category.

The Pride of Place Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of people who work tirelessly to create pride in their local area and a better place for local residents. Forty-three groups, ranging from those in small rural communities to groups in inner-city housing estates, took winning or runner up positions in the main and cities competitions. A further six groups received Special Awards, while one local authority received a special Council Award.

Each year, local authorities on the island of Ireland nominate groups for doing exceptional work in their communities. This year 102 groups were nominated by their respective local authority and Carlow County Council nominated Tinryland in recognition of their work in enhancing the well-being of their community.  A panel of highly experienced judges visited every nominated group and then selected the winners and runners up. Since the first Pride of Place competition 13 years ago, thousands of people have been recognised for the outstanding contribution they make to Irish society. 

Tinryland received their award from Councillor Mary Howard, Leas Cathaoirleach Clare County Council, Ronan Foley, Chief Executive IPB, John Bruton, former Taoiseach and deputy Chairman Co-operation Ireland,  Tom Dowling, Chairman Pride of Place Committee, and George Jones, Chairman IPB.

Cllr Charlie Murphy, Cathaoirleach  of Carlow County Council expressed his delight at Tinryland’s achievement and said: “that Tinryland is a community that has been recognised for their efforts in creating a vibrant place that they have obvious pride in” 

Chief Executive Kathleen Holohan stated “Co-operation Ireland Pride of Place competition embodies the ethos of participation and working together where Communities and Carlow County Council  make a real positive change in society. I congratulate everyone who participated in this year’s competition, and especially the Community of Tinryland who have represented County Carlow with distinction and pride.

Main Competition 

Population Category Up tp 300

• Runner up: Cloone, Co Leitrim
• Runner up: Tinryland, Co Carlow
• Winner: Kilteely, Co Limerick

Population Category 300 - 1000

• Runner up: Ballyboughal, Fingal Council area
• Runner up: Kilteevan, Co Roscommon
• Winner: Doonbeg, Co Clare           

Population Category 1000 - 2000

• Runner up: Carlingford, Co Louth  
• Runner up: Manorhamilton, Co Leitrim
• Winner: Castlemartyr, Co Cork

Population Category Over 2000                 

• Runner up: Listowel Town, Co Kerry               
• Runner up: Randalstown, Co Antrim & Newtownabbey
• Joint Winner: Dunshaughlin, Co Meath
• Joint Winner:Strandhill, Co Sligo 

Age Friendly Community Initiative

• Runner up: Ballinasloe Active Retirement Association, Co Galway
• Runner up: Strabane Community Project, Co Tyrone
• Winner: Carnew Community Care, Co Wicklow

Young People in the Community Initiative

• Runner up: Monkstown Community Association, Co Antrim
• Runner up: Tipperary Comhairle na nÓg, Co Tipperary        
• Winner: Largy College YSI Group of 2014 -2015, Co Monaghan 

Community Health Initiative

• Runner up: Jigsaw Offaly, Co Offaly
• Runner up: Tiglin, Co Wicklow
• Winner: Coalisland & Dungannon Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership – Health, Co Tyrone

Housing Estates Category

• Runner up: Scanlon Park, Co Limerick
• Runner up: Willow Park Estate, Co Westmeath
• Winner: Cois Cairn Estate, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown 

Islands & Coastal Communities Category

• Runner up: Dungarvan & Helvick Head RNLI Fundraising Branch, Co Waterford
• Runner up: Ghort a’Choirce (Gortahork), Co Donegal
• Winner: Inis Mór, (Inishmore Island), Co Galway           

Urban Neighbourhoods Category

• Runner up: Cabinteely, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Council Area
• Runner up: Mayfield /Glengormley, Co Antrim
• Winner: Swinford, Co Mayo              

Special Awards

• Edgeworthstown District Development Assoc. Co Longford
• Oaklands Lake, Co Wexford
• Roscommon Lions Club, Co Roscommon
• The Right Key, Co Down
• Kerry Traveller Health and Community Development Project HAZ, Co Kerry
• Mayo Masters GAA Team, Co Mayo 

Council Community Engagement Award:

• Derry and Strabane District Council