Offaly groups showcase community excellence during IPB Pride of Place 2026 judging visits
Judges visit groups in Clara, Edenderry and Kilcormac
IPB Pride of Place, an annual competition organised by Co-operation Ireland and sponsored by IPB Insurance, promotes and celebrates the best in community development and recognises the enormous efforts of volunteers in their communities.
This year, Offaly County Council nominated: Clara Town FC (representing Tullamore Municipal District) in the Community Youth Initiative category;Kilcormac Development Association (representing Birr Municipal District) in the Inclusive Communities category; and
Edenderry Men’s Shed (representing Edenderry Municipal District) in the Community Wellbeing Initiative category.
IPB Pride of Place judges Declan Nelson and Dorothy Clarke visited the three Offaly entries in early July.
Clara Town Football Club
The judging began on Monday morning with a visit to Clara Town FC at its home ground Stanley O’Hara Park. The Club was established in 1966 and is one of Offaly’s oldest soccer clubs. It has an impressive soccer set-up with two full sized playing pitches, a smaller one for children, and a fully floodlit full sized astro all weather surface, catering for 350 playing members over three adult and 17 underage teams (U8s to U16s, boys and girls). The judges were first given a tour of the impressive facilities by Club Treasurer Kenneth Stones and then proceeded to the clubhouse (which also hosts an indoor astro turf area). The judges met committee and club members, and Kenneth provided an informative presentation where he outlined the history, ethos and future plans for the Club. Its ethos is inspired by tradition, defined by excellence.
Kilcormac Development Association
Kilcormac Development Association (KDA) is a non-profit organisation committed to the
betterment of Kilcormac and the wider community, and its base, Kilcormac Community Centre, was the next stop for the judges on Monday afternoon. Founded in 1982, the organisation has been actively working towards creating a vibrant, thriving, and inclusive community for all. The Association encompasses and provides for all sectors in the community; and is an important element in the Just Transition process for the town. The judges were greeted by KDA Chairperson John Leahy (also current Cathaoirleach of Birr Municipal District) and Project Manager Linda Kelly. They were introduced to volunteers and staff of some of the various services and social enterprises provided and supported by KDA including Kilcormac Meals and Wheels, Kilcormac Community Gym, Active Age, Kilcormac Tidy Towns; and were entertained with a performance by members of Ann Callaghan's Irish Dancing Class. Linda then provided a presentation to the judges on the KDA’s history and current projects. The judging finished with a tour of the Centre and its facilities.
Edenderry Men’s Shed
The final visit by the judges was to Edenderry Men’s Shed on Tuesday morning. Edenderry Men’s Shed was initially established in 2013 by a group of men in the local area. The not-for-profit organisation became a registered Shed in 2014 and secured a lease at the Old Station Yard where the Group continue to meet. The ‘Shedders’ have become very popular in the community and provide many valuable services to local people such as furniture repairs and custom-built furniture & gardening equipment. The Group also produce and sell kindling from wood waste and have provided services to other local community groups such as Edenderry Women’s Shed and Edenderry Community Garden Committee. The judges were greeted by Shed members. Treasurer Charlie Talbot provided a presentation on the Group’s activities and projects. The Shed provides a welcome space, Monday to Friday, for its members to meet, learn and have a chat. New members are always welcome.
Offaly County Council’s Chief Executive Eoghan Ryan, and Cathaoirleach Cllr. Declan Harvey wish to thank the three groups for their participation, their excellent presentations, and for the invaluable contribution they have made to their communities.
The results of the Competition will be announced at the IPB Pride of Place Awards Ceremony at the Convention Centre, Dublin on October 24th 2026. The Offaly nominees are wished every success.