Offaly groups’ success at all-island IPB Pride of Place Awards

OFFALY celebrated two major wins and a runner up prize at the all-Ireland IPB Pride of Place community awards in Limerick on Friday evening (November 7). Clonfanlough Hall Committee and Accessible Counselling Tullamore both took home a Judges Special Award for their work, while Ballycommon Telework & Training Centre CLG came runner up in the Inclusive Communities category.

The awards, hosted by comedian and broadcaster Dermot Whelan, took place in Limerick’s Strand Hotel, with 400 community volunteers in attendance. Sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Pride of Place competition was initiated 23 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.

Clonfanlough Hall is located in a rural area close to Clonmacnoise. The area has a low population and few services. The Hall Committee was set-up in October 2023 with the aim of reopening the Community Hall to offer a range of activities and social events for all ages and groups within their community.

The judges praised the determination of the Clonfanlough Hall Committee in their comments. “The judges were particularly impressed by the dynamism and dedication of the voluntary group which was formed quite recently and have achieved so much in a very short space of time. The Hall is truly the heart of the community enjoyed by all generations and the judges got the opportunity to engage with many of the users who enthusiastically shared their appreciation to the Hall Committee for taking care of this important community asset.”

Accessible Counselling Tullamore (ACT), a not-for-profit CLG, opened it’s doors in January 2020 in offices located at Main St., Tullamore. It provided an invaluable counselling service to residents in Offaly during Covid-19 and in the years since. Its mission is to support people in the community maintaining positive mental health by providing accessible counselling and psychotherapy services.

Accessible Counselling Tullamore was recognised for the impact they were having. “The judges heard testimonials from clients who have used the services, and, in all cases, they spoke of kindness, compassion and a non-judgemental approach of ACT. The outcomes achieved are measured on their CORE system and prove the positive impacts on the clients. This group was exceptional, both in terms of the service they provide and the way they provide it and in how they have planned to make it sustainable into the future. Their professional approach to an organisation which is run on a voluntary basis is outstanding.”

Ballycommon Telework & Training Centre, located 10km from Tullamore, is a community owned rural social enterprise established in 1999 to address the training and development needs of the community. Ballycommon Telework & Training Centre’s runner up award in the Inclusive Communities category, won by Kingspan Breffni in Cavan, is a testament to its achievements and vision since its founding. It continues to evolve to meet the growing and changing needs of the community it serves.

Offaly County Council Chief Executive, Anna Marie Delaney, welcomed the enormous contributions made by all three entrants from Offaly and said it was uplifting to see the hard work and dedication the groups have put into their communities which really demonstrates their pride of place. Their contributions deserve to be publicly acknowledged and rewarded. She congratulated the three groups on their deserving recognition at the Awards Ceremony.

Offaly County Council Cathaoirleach, Councillor John Leahy, said that Offaly County Council is immensely proud of the three community groups. They have put their heart and soul into making their communities better places to live and he thanked them for their unflagging commitment and effort.

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