Proud night for Brawny at Pride of Place Awards

Brawny Housing Estate, Athlone was chosen as one of two runners up in the housing estates category of the annual IPB Pride of Place awards last night.

The winners of the IPB Pride of Place Awards in association with Co-operation Ireland were announced last at a gala awards ceremony in Letterkenny. The awards acknowledge the achievements and the invaluable work undertaken by volunteers and those involved in local community development.

Brawny estate and St Patrick’s Villas in Castleconnell in Limerick were the two runners up in the housing estates category behind the winner, Kiln Lane in Mountrath, Co. Laois.
 
During the ceremony 49 awards were announced in the main competition, the cities competition and special awards, ranging from groups supporting small rural communities to those involved in large inner city housing estates.
 
Sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Pride of Place competition was initiated 15 years ago through a Co-operation Ireland programme to acknowledge the invaluable work undertaken by communities and groups across the island of Ireland. It has grown into the largest competition recognising community development achievements.
 
The winners were presented with their awards by Minister Joe McHugh TD, Government Chief Whip & Minister of State for Gaeilge, An Ghaeltacht and the Islands,Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Gerry McMonagle,  Dr Christopher Moran, Chairman Co-operation Ireland,  Michael McGreal, Vice Chair IPB Insurance and Tom Dowling, Chairperson, Pride of Place Committee.

Fore in North Westmeath picked up one of the Special Awards announced during the ceremony. The judges said this was “a tiny village with a great heart, where the skills and talents of the informed are channelled to the great benefit of the whole community and the spirit of the Meitheal is truly demonstrated”.