Galway City Council’s two nominations for the 2025 Pride of Place Awards were recognised for outstanding community work, at a gala awards ceremony attended by 500 delegates, in the Strand Hotel, Limerick on Friday nigh. Galway Sea Scouts were delighted to take home the Runner Up Award in the ‘Community Youth Initiative’ category of the 23rd annual competition.
Galway Sea Scouts provides a volunteer-led youth development programme based on adventure and ocean activities that include camping, hiking, sailing and kayaking. Their activities in the outdoor environment promote a healthy and active lifestyle and engender an understanding and stewardship of our natural and marine environment.
Commenting on Galway Sea Scouts, the Pride of Place Judges said that this group ,in existence since 1932, has a very proud history and a very high participation rate.
“The leaders we met were outstanding in their voluntary commitment and constantly give their time, experience and knowledge to enhance the important nautical skills necessary to be successful and safe in a sea environment.”
Galway City Council’s had a second shortlisted nomination – Link Galway CLG, known locally as Café Link – in the ‘Inclusive Communities’ category.
The organisation was established in 1994 as a training café and catering skills centre for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Over the years, Café Link has evolved significantly. In 2023, Café Link Newcastle underwent a major transformation, emerging as a high-volume café offering premium products at reasonable prices, with seating for 102 patrons.
Organised by peacebuilding charity Co-operation Ireland and sponsored by IPB Insurance, Pride of Place, commonly referred to as the “Oscars for Ireland’s community and voluntary groups”, showcases and celebrates exceptional community development efforts across the island of Ireland. This year’s gala ceremony was hosted by radio journalist Dermot Whelan.
Mayor of Galway City Cllr. Mike Cubbard, said that on behalf of the elected members, he wanted to congratulate this year’s nominees, Galway Sea Scouts and Café Link, on their tremendous work in the community, and for flying the flag for Galway City in this year’s Pride of Place competition.
“Galway Sea Scouts were very worthy runners up in their category and I’m delighted that they are being recognised for the work they do with young people in Galway City.”
Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive, Galway City Council said that Café Link and Galway Sea Scouts were nominated to participate in this year’s Pride of Place due to their contribution to the local community and for invoking a sense of pride of place in those whom they serve.
“This competition highlights all that is best about our community and voluntary organisations and how we are all indebted for their tireless work, passion and commitment.”
Having been nominated by Galway City Council to participate in this year’s competition, both the Galway City entrants were visited by IPB Pride of Place judges in August 2025. Group representatives made formal presentations to the judges, before hosting tours that highlighted the elements of the community and volunteer efforts of which they are most proud.
Fergal Cushen, Pride of Place Coordinator, Galway City Council said they are delighted to have played their part in assisting their Pride of Place participants during recent months.
“This prestigious competition is about recognising and celebrating the extraordinary, inspirational and tireless work being undertaken by local communities as they work to make their local area a better place in which to live.
“The success of the 2025 participants is well deserved and is reflective of the work that is ongoing throughout the wider community in Galway City,” she said.
