Three Kilkenny groups honoured at Pride of Place Awards

Kilkenny community groups were honoured at the annual IPB Pride of Place awards held on Cork City Hall on Saturday evening.

Open Circle Arts lifted a Special Award for their work, with Thomastown and Kells Regional Economic Enterprise taking runner-up spots in their categories.
 
"The key to this entry is that it makes the arts accessible to women of all ages engendering mutual encouragement and inspiration in those involved and a very palpable sense of community," Judges said about Open Circle Arts.

Open Circle Arts lifted a Special Award for their work

Members of the groups joined with 800 community heroes from across the country at the awards which are operated in association with peace building charity Co-operation Ireland. The Pride of Place awards, described as the ‘Oscars of the Community Sector’, celebrates the often unsung work of community groups that selflessly work to make local neighbourhoods a better place to live in, work in or visit. 
 
Organised by Co-operation Ireland and sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Pride of Place awards sees the country’s local authorities, on both sides of the border, nominate outstanding projects that contribute to civic pride.
 
Tom Dowling, Chairperson of Pride of Place, said he was delighted that after 16 years the competition 'continues to embed itself in the very heart of the Island of Ireland's communities and gives them the opportunity to highlight the proud and amazing achievements of their place directly to the judges'.

"I wish them continued success," he said.