Five groups nominated to represent Co Cork in Pride of Place awards

FIVE community groups have been selected to represent County Cork at the 2024 IPB Pride of Place awards.

Now in its 22nd consecutive year, the competition, in association with Co-operation Ireland, acknowledges the work undertaken every day by communities.

Mayor Frank O’Flynn said: “Our nominees highlight just some of the many diverse initiatives undertaken by communities [over] the length and breadth of the county to support well-being, inclusiveness and creativity.”

Millford Community Council is shortlisted in Category 1 for populations of up to 300 people. They host regular meetings in the community hall, to address issues and secure funding, and recently saw new footpaths and traffic calming measures completed.

The village of Durrus is nominated in Category 2 for populations of 300-1000 people, and hosts a range of activities such as parent & toddler groups, Foróige, indoor bowls, men’s groups, choir, drop-in-mornings, chess club, yoga, and art classes.

The Mallow Castle Community Development committee, shortlisted in the Inclusive Communities category, hosts events throughout the year that are wheelchair accessible and autism friendly.

Haunted Walk

These include the Mallow Castle Haunted Walk and a recent family fun day with entertainment, old-fashioned games and magic shows.

The Together at the Castle committee is nominated for Community Well Being Initiative — the free mental health and wellbeing event takes place on a Sunday in September, at Mallow Castle each year.

It is supported by Cork/Kerry Community Healthcare (HSE), Mallow Chamber, Cork County Council, Avondhu Blackwater Partnership AIB, SHINE, and See Change.

Passage West Creates is shortlisted for Creative Communities. The collective transformed a tiny vacant unit into a vibrant Christmas pop-up in 2018, and now hosts 30 craft makers from Cork’s Lower Harbour and the collective also hosts regular workshops, festivals and collaborates with local groups.

Judges will visit communities during July and August before the announcement of winners at the IPB Pride of Place Gala Dinner and Award Ceremony 2024 in the Hillgrove Hotel, in November.