-
What is Pride of Place?
Pride of Place is an all-island competition which is directed towards recognising improvements by local communities to create civic pride in their area. The competition focus is on people coming together to shape, change and enjoy all that is good about their area. Last year, over 100 entrants representing cities, towns and villages from throughout the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland were nominated by their local authorities to take part in the competition. More information is available on the website www.prideofplace.ie
-
Are Galway City Council involved in Pride of Place?
Yes. Galway City Council has been involved in the Pride of Place Competition since the launch of the Cities Competition in 2007. Every year, up to 5 communities and groups are chosen to represent Galway city in the national competition.
-
What are the Pride of Place competition categories?
The competition categories change every year. There are usually 2 community categories (population under 1000 and population over 1000), one housing estate category (best housing estate) and a number of single issue categories (such as community arts initiative, sports initiative, care of the vulnerable etc.).
-
How are the Galway city nominees chosen for the Pride of Place Competition?
Once the categories are announced, Galway City Council will place a public notice in the local papers and on the website calling for interested parties to apply. Groups and communities may also be contacted directly by Galway City Council and asked to represent the city.
-
How can my community get involved in Pride of Place?
If you feel your community could represent Galway City Council in the Pride of Place competition, please contact the Pride of Place Liason Officer in Galway City Council at environment@galwaycity.ie.
We are particualrly interested in groups that have carried out specific pride initiatives with long-lasting and positive impacts on society, such as the development of community centres, the establishment of residents associations or the provision of childcare facilities.
-
How is the Pride of Place competition judged?
Two Pride of Place judges visit Galway city in July and meet with the nominated groups individually. Following a short presentation by the group and a questions and answers session, the judges walk around the area. This allows the nominated group to showcase their local area and highlight any projects or initiatives carried out.
The judges assess the entry based on a number of different criteria, including community engagement, social inclusion and links to other groups and businesses. A copy of the criteria for each category is available on request from environment@galwaycity.ie.
-
When are the winners of the Pride of Place competition announced?
The winners are announced at a gala awards ceremony held in November each year. Two representatives from each nominated group are invited to attend the ceremony.
-
What are the prizes for the Pride of Place Competition?
There is a first prize and second prize awarded in each category. The winning groups receive a Pride of Place trophy and a cash prize. Furthermore, each nominated group receives a Certificate of Participation and a €300 grant to over the cost of travelling to the awards ceremony.
-
Is there an Awards Ceremony for the Pride of Place Competition?
Yes. There is a gala awards ceremony held in November each year. The location of the award ceremony changes each year and two representatives from all the nominated groups are invited to attend. Galway City Council provides each group with a grant of €300 to cover the cost of travelling to the event and accommodation if required. Winners are announced on the night.
What groups and communities have represented Galway City in the past for the Pride of Place Competition?
Previous entries from Galway city are:
2021:
- Tuatha of Terryland Forest Park (Winner Creative Place Initiative)
- Claddagh Watch Patrol (Runners Up Community Resilience)
2020:
- Galway Cycle Bus (Winner, 2nd place, Community Climate Action Initiative)
- Galway Contact
- Westside Arts Festival (Winner, 1st place, Creative Place Initiative)
2019:
- Galway Water Safety Interagency Group (Winners, Special Award)
- Galway Community Circus (Winner)
- Jigsaw Galway
- Voices for Down Syndrome
2018:
- An Mheitheal Rothar
- Hospital Arts Trust
- Wheelie Wonders
2017:
- Let's Get Galway Growing (Winner, 2nd Place in the Community Environmental Initiative)
- Galway Feminist Collective
- The Village Salthill (Winner, 1st Place in the Category Population over 2000)
- Westside Youth Project
2016:
- Blue Teapot (Winner, 1st Place in the Category Arts Initiative)
- Cnoc an Oir
- Saol Café (Winner, Special Award)
2015:
- West Community Garden (Winner, 2nd place Community Health Initiative category)
- Ballybane Foróige - Ballybane Traveller Integrated Youth Project (Winner, 2nd place Young People in the Community Initiative category)
- Westside Age Inclusion
2014:
- Galway's West End (winner, 2nd place in the Category Population under 1,000)
- Doughiska/Merlin Woods (winner, 1st in the Category Population over 1,000)
- SCCUL Enterprises
- Croi, West of Ireland Cardiac Foundation
- Transition Galway
2013:
- Shantalla Residents Association (winner: 1st place in Tourism Diaspora Initiative)
- Ballybane/Eastside Men's Shed (winner: 2nd place in Population under 1000)
- Red Bird Youth Arts Collective
- Glan Suas Gaillimh
- Rahoon Youth Project
2012:
- Galway Arts Festival (winner: 1st place in Cultural Tourism category)
- Castlegar (winner: 2nd place in Population under 1000)
- Oaklands, Salthill
- COPE Galway
2011:
- Highfield Park (winner: 1st place in Housing Estate category)
- Ballinfoile Community Garden (winner: 2nd prize in Community Enhancement Project)
- Ballybane Community Garden
- Knocknacarra
- St. Joseph's Avenue, Henry Street
2010:
- The Latin Quarter (winner: 2nd place in Population under 1000)
- Friends of Doughiska
- Mervue
- Connect Castlegar
2009:
- Ballybane Neighbourhood Village Project
2008:
- Renmore Residents Association (winner: 1st place in Population over 1000)
- Claddagh Residents Association (winner: runner-up in Population under 1000)
- Failte Salthill
- Aras Naofa, Renmore
- Care and Repair Programme, Age Action West
2007:
- COPE (winner: 1st place in Special Category - Care for the Vulnerable)
- Ballinfoile Residents Association
- Ballybane Resource Centre
- Westside Arts Festival
-
Who are the previous winners of the Pride of Place Competition?
A list of all previous winners is available on the website www.prideofplace.ie/2019-winners