This vase was presented to Co-operation Ireland by Belfast City Council to mark the tenth anniversary of Ireland’s largest community awards – Pride of Place.

Since they were established by former Meath County Council Chief Executive Tom Dowling, Co-operation Ireland has delivered the annual event which for the last ten years has been sponsored by IPB Insurance.

Created to promote and celebrate the best in community development, the awards recognise the selfless efforts of people in making their local neighbourhoods better places to live, work and socialise.

Last year’s event, the 31^st, was hosted by Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council who picked up the baton from Dublin City Council who were the host for the 30^th anniversary.

The vase was presented to Co-operation Ireland when Belfast City Council hosted the awards in 2013.

The awards are an all-island event, and over 500 delegates travel from across the four provinces to celebrate the unsung heroes of local society.

There is probably no event that better sums up Co-operation Ireland’s ethos.

Pride of Place Chairman Tom Dowling said two decades after their inception, the awards continued to hold an important place in Irish society.

“Pride of Place continues to be about acknowledging and recognising in a meaningful manner the important caring work of all our communities as they continue their daily journey of making the path of life easier for all. 

“This fabulous journey could not have happened without the far-sighted vision of Co-operation Ireland, the local authorities, and IPB, who all recognised the importance of communities participating in such a prestigious competition embracing and demonstrating their pride in their place.”