Clonberne wins First place in their category in All Ireland Final of
"Pride of Place 2007"
"Pride of Place 2007"
The Parish of Clonberne was a place of celebration last weekend as news spread of their win in the “Pride of Place 2007” national competition.
This is an All Island (32 counties) competition presented by Co-operation Ireland in conjunction with the all island Local Authorities.
The focus is on local people. It is about people working to shape, change and enjoy all that is good about their area.
Pride of Place acknowledges communities and their hard work. It is about creating vibrant and viable communities, and involving people,
organisations and groups. It creates awareness of the social, the environmental and the historical, but above all it gives the opportunity
for communities to tell their story and highlight their points of pride.
In April 2007 Clonberne Community Development entered the competition on behalf of all the groups and organisations involved in community life in the parish. Not long afterwards the committee was contacted by Galway County Council with the great news that Clonberne had been selected to represent the county in Category 4 (1,000 – 2,000 population). The committee worked along with the County Council to prepare for the competition. On 17th July the judges came to Clonberne and spent approx 4 hours with the people of the parish. There was a 20 minute presentation in the Community Resource Office followed by an hour of questions and answers. This session was quite challenging, with the first question from the judges being “what are the 3 worst things about Clonberne?”.
After this the group moved to the new Community Sportsfield and associated facilities which were under construction. All the under age football teams, both boys & girls, gave a display on the superb new pitch. Next was at visit the community centre for a get together with all the parish organiations active in the parish. There was 25 displays - from Heritage to Credit Union to Drama group to Senior Citizens to Community Development to I.C.A., etc – all showing their work. The local branch of Civil Defence was present with all their vehicles and put on a fine C.P.R. and Spinal Board display. The primary school and adult choir also preformed a few songs each. Refreshments were served and the judges got time to mingle and discuss various aspects of life in Clonberne.
To conclude the day Civil Defence brought the judges in their beautiful mini bus on a short tour of facilities in Clonberne. Here they saw the new dressing rooms & stand, the Respond housing scheme, village enhancement work, the Green flag & new pitch at the school, etc. After the days events Clonberne Community Development held a meeting to discuss the event. During this meeting it was agreed by all that it probably was one of Clonberne’s finest days, with such positive support and enthusiasm shown by all.
This was the perfect year for Clonberne to enter such a competition.
Community life has been thriving here for many a year. Many quote the
Pilot Area Scheme of the 60’s, others go back further to the church renovation, more talk about the festivals, tug-o-war, fancy dress or whatever –
depending on your age. Whatever our age we all remember a great community & sharing spirit in Clonberne down through the years. This year the
parish has excelled all previous years with an unbelievable amount of work done in the new Sportsfield & stand development, which was only just
opened last month by Michael O’Muircheartaigh. Over €1.2 million was spent on this development with hundreds of thousands saved by local voluntary
work, donations and supply of services & materials free of charge. Such a Pride of Place has never been witnessed before. What a year to win
this competition.
On last Saturday night Co-operation Ireland along with Mayo County Council hosted a Gala Awards Night in the Knockranny House Hotel, Westport. For those who attended it was a night to remember. The evening started with a Reception hosted by Westport Town Council. There was a welcome address by Cllr Declan Dever, Cathaoirleach of Mayo Count Council. The gathering was then addressed by Mr Seamus Wren (Mayor of Mayo), Mr Christopher J Moran (Chairman Co-operation Ireland), Mr Tom Dowling (Chairman Pride of Place), Minister Margaret Ritchie, and Minister Tony Killeen. They all spoke of the huge importance of community spirit and participation in local activities. The evening continued with a beautiful Banquet and concluded with Presentation of the Awards & Cabaret with The Three Tenors.
Clonberne was selected as one of the 5 groups in Category 4 for a prize. With 3 runners up places Clonberne went on to get 1st prize. They received a beautiful trophy and a cheque for €2,000.00.
A perfect end to a perfect year.
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Some pictures from the Pride of Place 2007 in Clonberne
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