Five community initiatives from County Roscommon have been shortlisted for this year’s Pride of Place awards, one of the island’s most esteemed honours, celebrating grassroots excellence.
Organised by Co-operation Ireland in partnership with Irish Public Bodies (IPB), the all-island awards recognise the contributions of local communities in promoting inclusivity, sustainability and wellbeing. Roscommon County Council, through its Community Development Department, has supported each project in the adjudication process.
The five shortlisted projects highlight the county’s breadth of voluntary endeavour, from heritage-based community life to climate action and mental wellbeing.
The Roscommon Underwater Search and Recovery Club, nominated in the population category of 5,000 or more, provides vital search and recovery services across Roscommon and the Midlands. Established in 1985 as the Dolphin Sub Aqua Club, its volunteers respond to critical incidents and work closely with emergency services.
In the Climate Action and Biodiversity category, the Curraghboy QR Code Litter Project stands out as a novel partnership between Curraghboy Tidy Towns Committee and Curraghboy National School. Through the use of QR codes and community engagement, the initiative aims to educate and innovate around litter reduction.
The CycleUp Textiles project in Athleague, spearheaded by Roscommon Women’s Network, has been recognised in the Creative Communities category. The textile upcycling enterprise addresses environmental issues while providing social inclusion opportunities for women across the county.
Also shortlisted is the Roscommon Men’s Choir, an inclusive group of over 60 men who use music to foster community wellbeing and combat isolation. The choir has raised funds for various causes and is nominated in the Community Wellbeing Initiative category.
Representing communities with populations under 300, ‘The Abbey’ housing estate in Cloontuskert has also made the shortlist. The estate has become a focal point of cultural activity, retaining its heritage character while embracing community-led renewal.
Speaking ahead of the judging visits, Cathriona MacCarthy of Roscommon County Council’s Community Development Department said: “It is testament to the strong level of community engagement and collaboration in our county that our communities continue to flourish and prosper. This is thanks to the unsung and heroic efforts of our volunteers, who support the communities, where they live, with such dedication.
“Roscommon County Council is delighted to support our five nominees for this year’s prestigious Pride of Place competition… We are looking forward to bringing the judges to each of our locations next week where they are sure to be impressed by the wonderful level of engagement they will see for themselves.”
