This article is from page 18 of the 2013-11-19 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 18 JPG
MILTOWN Malbay has brought national honours to the county as the West Clare town has the been named one of the principal winners in this year’s IPB Pride of Place Competition in association with Co-operation Ireland.
More than 400 people from all over the island of Ireland travelled to Derry to attend the 11th annual awards ceremony on Saturday.
Miltown Malbay brings Clare its first success in the competition since the Clare Crusaders Children’s Clinic received an award under the Community Health Initiative category in 2011.
The town beat off stiff competition from all over the country to be crowned overall winners of Population Category three. Miltown Malbay Tidy Towns Committee members were presented with a crystal decorative memento and € 1,000.
Pride of Place, which is run by Cooperation Ireland in conjunction with local authorities north and south of the border, was first piloted in the summer of 2003.
The all-island initiative recognises and celebrates the vital contributions that community partnerships make to society, including promoting social cohesion, involvement in planning, the promotion of heritage, and environmental awareness.
Miltown Malbay Tidy Towns Committee spokesperson Sean Lenihan said, “Like many other small towns throughout Clare we have lots of diverse groups, associations and organisations, but what sets us apart is that when required, all sectors of the community work together and act as one. We are very aware that everybody has something to offer and we recognise the skills, inputs and competencies that different people have and utilise them accordingly to ensure that all visitors leave with fond memories and a willingness to return.”
Mayor of Clare Cllr Joe Arkins said Miltown Malbay’s success “is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when people come together for the benefit of their local community.
“This competition focuses on local communities, both north and south of the border, coming together to shape, change and enjoy all that is good about their area. I am sure that Clare’s other participants in this year competition, Mountshannon Community Council and An Sean Dún Residents Association in Roslevan will have also enjoyed the opportunity to network, exchange ideas and learn from others.”
Nicola Cullinan, Pride of Place Coordinator, Community and Tourism Directorate with Clare County Council added, “Pride of Place is a great way to acknowledge the hard work and selfless endeavour undertaken by communities from all over the island of Ireland. It is an opportunity to celebrate the vital contribution that community groups make to society and it demonstrates what local groups can achieve. Clare County Council is delighted to have played its part in supporting local partici