Local communities faired very well in the recent Cork County Federation Muintir na Tíre’s Pride in Our Community Awards which were held in the Oriel House Hotel in Ballincollig last week.
Glanworth Community Development Group who developed a children’s playground in the village were annonunced as the overall winners in the New Entry category.
Mike Sheehan, committee member of the development group was delighted with the news.
“It’s great. It’s a nod to everyone who has put in such effort over the past 10 years to bring the amenity area to fruition.”
The community playground was opened to the public last Spring and it has been an enormous success. There are three more phases to be completed in the development plan including an astro-turf pitch, tennis courts and a running track.
The group look forward to announcing the second phase of the project very soon.
Glanworth Community Council were commended the Best Small Village Awards category for their friendship garden while the 105th Glanworth Cubs were commended in the Youth Projects category for the garden they created from barren land at the back of community centre in memory of Michael John Shinnick, who was chief scout of Ireland and from Glanworth. The garden, aimed at attracting wildlife, has a rain water harvester and a herb garden.
“We’re absolutely delighted. The cubs put a huge amount of work into it over the past two years and we hope we can use the prize money to expand the garden,” said Anne O’Brien cub leader.
“We must thank Martina Meaney also, for all the work and time she put into this project,” concluded Ms O’Brien.
OTHER AWARD WINNERS
Conna Community Council brought home two prizes from the awards also.
Conna’s own Gary Dunlop was awarded a Community Champion prize for his work over the last three years in setting up the community lottery which provides much needed income to help fund some incredible projects in the village.
He also singlehandedly designed the new village green, the butterfly and bee garden and church car park renewal, as well as working closely with the County Council to secure grants and funding.
Conna also received a commendation in the Eco Friendly category for their butterfly and bee garden.
Coolagown Community Association faired exceptionally well in the Eco Friendly category with their pollinator friendly mini orchard consisting of native fruit trees and other wildflowers.
Now celebrating its 13th year, the competition has developed from a small idea to the very successful and popular competition that it is today with a prize fund of over €10,000. Over 50 groups are expected to take part again this year.
The aim of the ‘Pride in Our Community Competition’ is to encourage Community Groups and volunteers in County Cork to develop new or existing community -based Amenity/Projects that will be of long-term benefit to the community.
The competition also seeks to make people conscious of their environment and to promote litter-free communities and the overall development of their area.
