Ireland’s largest community awards will be hosted by Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council on Friday, November 10 with hundreds of delegates expected to travel from across the four provinces to the Armagh City Hotel.

The Pride of Place awards is an annual competition organised by peacebuilding charity Co-operation Ireland and sponsored by IPB Insurance.

Established 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. 2023 marks the 21^st year of the awards and will be hosted by UTV’s Pamela Ballantine.

Pride of Place is an All-Island competition whereby local authorities from across the island of Ireland nominate groups in their communities who they feel have made a significant contribution to improving their neighbourhood, working collectively. The competition culminates with a Gala Awards Ceremony.

Speaking at the launch at The Palace Demesne on Monday, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Alderman Margaret Tinsley said, “We are delighted to host this year’s Pride of Place Awards Ceremony and we look forward to bringing community groups together, to recognise and celebrate the valuable impact volunteers make to community life. I’m looking forward to welcoming everyone to the historic city of Armagh as a special award evening awaits our wonderful guests.” 

Peter Sheridan Chief Executive Officer, Co-operation Ireland added, “Co-operation Ireland is incredibly proud to be a part of Pride of Place as the awards enter their third decade.

“We work to build relationships across the island and Pride of Place plays a critical role in that work.  The impact the awards have had in towns and villages across the island since 2003 cannot be underestimated, and the continuing success of the awards is down to the dedicated volunteers and their love of where they live.

“We are looking forward to welcoming delegates from community organisations across Ireland to Armagh in November.”

Chair of IPB Insurance George Jones said, “Volunteerism is a cornerstone of community resilience and exemplifies the very spirit of mutual support and care that these Awards have championed throughout our longstanding partnership. 

“By supporting these awards, we not only celebrate the remarkable individuals and groups who go above and beyond for their communities but also aim to inspire others to join in this noble pursuit of creating better, more liveable places for all.”

Pride of Place Chairman Tom Dowling said, “It is 20 amazing years since the very first awards ceremony and the ethos of the awards has never changed. It 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.”