‘Volunteers play vital role in inspiring young people to shape their futures’
Message from Cllr Sharon Tolan
As Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, I extend my heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to the 21st anniversary of Pride of Place.
These awards showcase the incredible transformations across Ireland, including in Meath, driven by local heroes and organisations dedicated to building inclusive futures. Pride of Place, organised by Co-operation Ireland, enhances community ties and celebrates the efforts communities make to foster pride in their areas. Being nominated for these awards is a significant honour, reflecting the resilience and dedication of all the teams involved.
This year, we received 246 applications, a nearly 10 per cent increase from last year, with 36 new groups, including five youth organisations. This highlights the vital role volunteers play in inspiring young people to shape their futures.
I want to thank everyone who participated, particularly those who didn't win; their hard work and dedication are invaluable.
To those representing Meath at the National Pride of Place Awards, I am confident they will showcase the pride of our local communities.
As a council, we are committed to supporting our volunteers and fostering an inclusive environment for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.
This year marks the 21st anniversary of the Pride of Place initiative and the 9th year of local awards for each of the six Municipal Districts.
This event celebrates the dedication of local voluntary committees and groups. Pride of Place highlights the power of community collaboration.
The Council aims to partner with communities to promote best practices, innovation, and leadership, resulting in vibrant and sustainable living environments. It also seeks to showcase Meath as an ideal place to live and work.
Focusing on sustainability, green space, and heritage conservation, we strive to enhance the cultural and natural landscapes of our Municipal Districts, engaging all sectors of the community. The initiative has evolved to meet local and national priorities, recognising the significant contributions of voluntary groups supported by our Community Development Office.
The awards acknowledge the selfless work of volunteers, especially in a challenging resource environment. I commend their dedication to Pride of Place, which is vital for cultivating thriving communities. Moving forward, we hope the initiative continues to evolve in line with community needs, enabling collaboration to create strong and sustainable communities essential for our future.