Four Kilkenny communities nominated for All-Ireland ‘Pride of Place’ awards

By COLIN BARTLEY

KILKENNY has been chosen to host one of Ireland’s most important community awards this year, and the county will be well represented with no fewer than four nominees.

The 17th Annual All-Ireland Pride of Place Gala Awards Ceremony will take place in Kilkenny on Saturday, November 30, Tthe four groups from the county nominated are from Inistioge, Ballyahale, Graiguenamanagh and Kilmacow.

The Pride of Place awards are an all-island competition that acknowledges the work communities are undertaking and how people are coming together to shape, change and improve daily lives in their communities.

The four community groups representing Kilkenny at the National awards are the Inistioge Community Centre – Cois Abhann, the village’s community hub is nominated in the ‘population 300-1000’ category.

The Graiguenamanagh Festivals Committee have been nominated in the ‘Community Tourism’ section for their efforts in using their natural tourism assets to attract more footfall from home and abroad.

The village of Kilmacow has been chosen to represent Kilkenny in the ‘Community Wellbeing’ category for their efforts in promoting the social, sporting, community, and cultural life of the village.

Finally, the Ballyhale Development Association, who have been developing a number of community projects, including the community café – Billys Tea Rooms, have been put forward in the ‘population 0-300’ category.

Judging of the Pride of Place projects which takes place on June 26-27. The winners will be announced at a gala night in Kilkenny in November.