Chosen by Galway County Council to represent the county in the all-island competition, both communities are polishing up their presentations ahead of the adjudicators’ visits on September 11, and 12, with the overall winners due to be revealed at a glittering ceremony in Limerick’s Strand Hotel on November 7.
Now in its 23rd year, Pride of Place is more than an awards scheme, it is a celebration of the people who keep towns and villages vibrant, sustainable, and welcoming. Organised by peace building charity Co-operation Ireland and backed by IPB Insurance, the initiative has long held Galway in good stead.
Last year, Kinvara Tidy Towns and Williamstown flew the flag with runner-up placings, while in 2023 Creggs Rural Development Group was crowned winner in the Climate Action & Biodiversity category for its grassroots work in enhancing habitats in north Galway.
This year’s contenders reflect very different but equally powerful stories of community.
Connecting people through creativity
In Clifden, the Marconi Men’s Shed is the first of its kind in Ireland, set up by male family carers who wanted to carve out a space for connection and creativity. In collaboration with FORUM Connemara CLG, members secured four derelict outbuildings and transformed them, two now form a fully kitted-out workshop, while the others provide storage.
Today, more than 50 men, ranging in age from their 40s to their 80s, gather twice a week to work with their hands and nurture their wellbeing. From tending polytunnel gardens to woodturning, from practising Tai Chi to cooking healthy meals, the shed has become not just a workplace but a lifeline, with many members noting how their health, both mental and physical, has flourished as a result.
Keeping Clarinbridge tidy since 1979
Meanwhile, on Galway’s southern coastline, Clarinbridge continues to marry heritage with forward-thinking community action. Best known for its oysters, the village has been sustained for decades by the energy of Clarinbridge Tidy Towns, established back in 1979.
Their imprint can be seen all around: from the care of The Green and Parish Hall, to the stewardship of the Kilcornan Estate and Cowpark, to the thoughtful development of local walking trails. Their work is not done in isolation either, collaboration with groups such as the Clarinbridge Men’s Shed and SCCUL Sanctuary underscores a commitment to both environment and wellbeing. The community calendar, peppered with highlights like Market Day and Halloween on the Green, is testament to the vibrancy and hospitality for which the village is known.
Show support
Speaking ahead of the judges’ visits, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, councillor David Collins, praised both nominees, saying, “We are very proud to have the Marconi Men’s Shed in Clifden and the community of Clarinbridge representing Galway in this year’s Pride of Place awards.
“I encourage everyone in the communities and surrounding areas to come out and show their support for these outstanding projects. Community backing is vital in helping these groups showcase the strength and spirit of our county, and together we can help them shine on the national stage.”
Galway County Council Chief Executive, Liam Conneally, echoed the call, adding, “Judging day is a special occasion that offers the nominated communities a wonderful opportunity to come together and celebrate their local pride. I encourage everyone to support the organised events and show their commitment to making these areas vibrant and welcoming places to live and visit.”
For more on the IPB Pride of Place Awards, visit www.prideofplace.ie
