Six Cork communities, groups and organisations have been nominated for the 2020 IPB Pride of Place awards.

The all-island competition recognises improvements made by local communities to create civic pride in their area with focus on people coming together to shape, change and enjoy all that is good about their area.

Cork City Council linked up with Co-operation Ireland to choose a total of six nominees to go forward, one nominee from each of the six following categories.

Blarney Village was nominated under the Urban Neighbourhood/Village under 3,000 population category for its strong community spirit evident in its many community initiatives.

Ballincollig’s community forum and working groups such as the Ballincollig Covid-19 Community Response Forum Area Team were recognised as it was nominated under the Urban Neighbourhood/Village over 3,000 population category.

The Hut (Youth & Community Resource Centre) in Gurranabraher was nominated under the Creative Place Initiative category for its creative space for community members to work creatively from through different mediums.

The Lantern Project was chosen for the Community Wellbeing Initiative category for its role in assisting in the inclusion of those who are marginalised or vulnerable and are seeking to take steps towards improving their lives or wellbeing.

SHEP Earth Aware and Elders for Earth was nominated in the Community Climate Action Initiative category for its role in raising awareness about the climate and biodiversity crisis.

The South Side Youth Forum was chosen for nomination in the category of Community Youth Led Initiative for its aim in changing the way young people are perceived in their communities.

Speaking about the importance of the Pride of Place Awards, Director of Service for Community Culture and Placemaking in Cork City Council, Adrienne Rodgers, said that the competition is one that all community groups look forward to each year.

“Every year this competition is one that all community groups look forward to as they get to show the rest of the country the innovative and interesting ways they help their community and its people; from the small village to the stand alone community project group focussed on well being the Pride of Place is just that: an opportunity for the groups to showcase why they are so proud of their projects and places,” she said.