County Clare has celebrated a fourth year in a row of success at the annual IPB Pride of Place Awards, last night in Limerick.
Obair Newmarket-on-Fergus beat off competition from across the island of Ireland to be named joint winner of the Creative Community category in recognition of its leadership in local development and promotion of social inclusion, education, and environmental sustainability.
Nominated by Clare County Council, the voluntary group was commended by competition judges for its efforts to date, which have included its flagship Meals on Wheels service that delivers hot meals to older and vulnerable people across a wide rural area. The organisation also operates a community crèche, shop, and the recreational and performance spaces at O’Regan Park, runs afterschool and youth programmes through the Tradaree Youth Project, and supports local green initiatives and adult learning in partnership with the local education and training board.
Meanwhile, Clare Comhairle na nÓg was named runner-up in the Community Youth Initiative category in recognition of the leadership shown by its young members as agents of change on issues such as mental health, discrimination and inclusion. The group developed a creative project on discrimination, which led to the introduction of the ‘Free Period Products’ initiative. With support from Healthy Ireland, they also produced the short film ‘It Should Be Like Toilet Paper’, promoting period dignity and positivity, which premiered during Women’s Health Week 2025.
Clare County Council also nominated Inagh Development and Feakle Community Council to take part in this year’s Pride of Place, which is organised by peacebuilding charity Co-operation Ireland and sponsored by IPB Insurance. Clare has a strong record of success with recent wins for Lisdoonvarna Fáilte (2024), Tourism East Clare and the Rekindle Festival of Lost Skills (2023), Loop Head (2022), and Clare Youth Action (2020).
Speaking following the ceremony, Leas-Chathaoirleach of Clare County Council Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy, said, “Clare was well represented by four great communities at this year’s Pride of Place Awards, each of which showed the same community spirit and pride that has always made Clare stand out in this competition. This is a very proud day for the volunteer members of Obair and is testament to collective efforts of so many people over a number of years. I also want to pay tribute “
Obair Newmarket-on-Fergus was represented at the awards ceremony by Siobhan O’Driscoll and Orla Meaney.
Ms. Meaney said, “We are absolutely delighted to be recognised in Pride of Place. This award reflects the commitment of everyone at Obair to supporting our community, whether through Meals on Wheels, youth programmes, or initiatives that bring people together and create a welcoming space for all. It’s a celebration of the difference a dedicated group of volunteers can make every day, and it will certainly motivate us to keep going.”
Reacting to Clare Comhairle na nÓg’s runner-up award alongside members Niamh McManus and Isabel Gurure, co-ordinator Brian McManus of Clare Youth Service stated, “We’re incredibly proud to see the work of Clare Comhairle na nÓg recognised on the national stage, which is testament to the power of young people to make a real difference in their communities. From tackling important issues like mental health and inclusion to leading projects that challenge stigma, our members have shown that when young voices are heard and supported, positive change can happen.”
According to Clare County Council Director of Services, Planning, Economic, Rural & Community Department Jason Murphy, “There are many examples in County Clare of community groups and organisations who give freely of their time out of devotion to their community. In nominating Comhairle na nÓg, Feakle, Obair, and Inagh this year, Clare County Council highlighted ideal examples of the dedication, hard work, and creativity of voluntary groups making a positive difference in their local areas.”
The four nominated Clare projects were visited by IPB Pride of Place judges in July when group representatives made formal presentations before hosting tours that highlighted the elements of the community and volunteer efforts of which they are most proud. This year’s adjudicators were Brendan McGrath and Declan Nelson, former Chief Executives of Galway County Council and Monaghan County Council, respectively.
Pride of Place Coordinator for Clare County Council Kathy Coleman, commented, “Judging day is always a proud moment for participating communities, affording them a valuable opportunity to showcase their work. It was heartening to see the Comhairle na nÓg members and the communities of Inagh, Feakle, and Newmarket-on-Fergus engaging so enthusiastically with the adjudicators.”
“We are already looking forward to hearing from communities who may be interested in representing the county in next year’s Pride of Place competition and following in the footsteps of this year’s four nominees,” she added. “In the meantime, Clare County Council looks forward to continuing its collaborative work with voluntary groups in making a real difference to the lives of people in their communities.”
Visit www.prideofplace.ie for more details on this year’s competition or see www.clarecoco.ie to find out more about getting your community involved in 2026 IPB Pride of Place.