“It is important to highlight the wonderful, selfless work that is going on in your communities.” – Christopher Moran, Chairman of Co-operation Ireland.
The 2012 All-Island Pride of Place winners were announced at a Gala awards ceremony at Thomand Park Limerick on Saturday, 3rd November. With more that 400 representatives from practically every county in Ireland in attendance, East Wall was the big winner in the Cities competition (in the category for a community with a population greater than 1,000). East Wall had been selected by Dublin City Council to represent the city in this very significant national competition.
East Wall representatives with Deputy Jan O’Sullivan TD, Tom Dowling, Chairman Pride of Place Committee; Christopher Moran Chairman of Co-operation Ireland and Cllr George Jones
Commenting on the reasons for choosing East Wall, the judges said ‘A fresh approach to community problems taken in the recent past has transformed this community. The residents are fortunate indeed to be so well served by a really excellent community association, which is very active in developing best practice in community co-operation. There is a magnificent community centre incorporating a theatre together with facilities for a whole range of activities both recreational and social’.
The judges also noted the many inter-generational projects in the area.
Tom Dowling, Chairman of Pride of Place congratulated all the participants and he acknowledged that this year’s competition attracted the highest number of nominations since the competition commenced. He said, “the reason the communities are here tonight is because their local authority believes in them and recognises that they have huge pride in their place”.
While being chosen as representatives by Dublin City Council was a major achievement, to go on to become the big winners in a national, 32 county-wide event is an incredible honour for our community. As we have said before – we know we are a great community, but it is brilliant to achieve national recognition for this. While the judges highlighted the role of the East Wall For All Committee (“a really excellent community association”), it has to be recognised that this success came about because of the commitment and dedication shown by all the groups active and working together within the community.
“The All-Island Pride of Place Competition recognises and celebrates the vital contributions that community partnerships make to society. The focus is on people coming together to shape, change and enjoy all that is good about their local area. It differs from other similar projects in that they specifically recognise the involvement of the local community in all aspects of rural and urban regeneration including, promoting social cohesion, involvement in planning, the promotion of heritage and environmental awareness.”