Five Roscommon-based community and voluntary groups have been nominated for the 2025 IPB Pride of Place Awards, representing a wide range of innovative, inclusive, and sustainable projects that span the county. The awards, run in association with Co-operation Ireland and Irish Public Bodies, recognise the work of communities across the island of Ireland who show civic pride, collaboration and impact. Each of the nominated projects was visited by judges from the all-island competition, accompanied by staff from Roscommon County Council’s Community Development Department.
Among the nominees is the Roscommon Underwater Search and Recovery Club (RUSRC), a voluntary organisation established in 1985 and based at Racecourse Road, Roscommon town. Initially formed as the Dolphin Sub Aqua Club, the group has evolved into a vital public service that assists An Garda Síochána, the Irish Coast Guard, Civil Defence and RNLI. In their presentation to judges, members outlined the club’s operational growth, training, and dedication to recovery work – often during times of trauma and tragedy. Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Cllr Liam Callaghan, who attended the adjudication, paid tribute to the club for providing a “vital service” to communities in crisis. Judge at the awards John Fitzgerald described their presentation as “top class”, with strong support expressed for the club’s vision of developing new public facilities in the town.
In Athleague, Roscommon Women’s Network’s social enterprise CycleUp was nominated for its pioneering work in climate action, skills training and inclusive employment. What began as a small-scale upcycling initiative has grown into a national model for circular economy-based community enterprise. CycleUp produces textile goods from waste fabric, supports environmental awareness, and runs public workshops and accredited training. In a deeply personal presentation, one early participant described the project as “a safe space” that helped people feel “valued, included, and able to contribute”. The team also shared its ambitions to extend partnerships across the country and scale its impact even further.
Curraghboy National School and the local Tidy Towns committee were nominated in recognition of their collaborative approach to education and environmental responsibility. The school’s Global Goals and climate action programme integrates biodiversity, waste reduction and digital innovation. Pupils and community members developed an initiative using QR codes to raise awareness of local wildlife and littering. Supported by Principal Rory Leonard, students and volunteers welcomed judges with a guided biodiversity trail and music performance. The project recently received a Global Goals Award and has been shared internationally with a partner school in Greece.
The community of Cloontuskert is also flying the flag for Roscommon. Their nomination recognises the remarkable efforts by residents to restore, revitalise and protect the 70-year-old Bord na Móna estate in Mid-Roscommon. A proud, close-knit community, Cloontuskert has developed a wide-ranging sustainability plan encompassing biodiversity, retrofitting, renewable energy and social engagement. Through extensive consultation and collaboration, the group has redefined the concept of community-led planning, producing a living model of heritage preservation and green regeneration.
Rounding out the Roscommon nominations is the Roscommon Men’s Choir, a vibrant and dynamic group that promotes inclusion, mental health, and connection through music. With members from diverse backgrounds and age groups, the choir provides a space for social interaction, creativity and wellbeing. In their presentation, members spoke of the choir’s transformative role in their lives and the bonds forged through shared performance. The judges were treated to a rehearsal and described the visit as “truly uplifting”.
All five nominations reflect the strength of Roscommon’s community spirit and the diverse ways in which local people are shaping a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable society. Winners of the 2025 Pride of Place Awards will be announced later this year.
