Longford town community project takes home a win at the Pride of Place Awards

The Albert Reynolds Peace Park has been awarded first prize in the Community Wellbeing Initiative category at the 2026 IPB Pride of Place Awards.

The award recognises the Albert Reynolds Peace Park as an excellent example of community-led development in County Longford, acknowledging the work and commitment behind its ongoing success.

Longford Town Suburbs Project CLG, who were nominated for the award by Longford County Council, received the accolade at the awards ceremony, which was held recently at the Convention Centre in Dublin.

Impact Network NI and Slieverue Community Group were named as runners-up in the Community Wellbeing Initiative category.

The ceremony, which was hosted by Joe Duffy, brought together approximately 400 community volunteers to celebrate the achievements of communities across the island.

Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Gerry Hagan, said the award was a fitting recognition of the people who had helped make the Albert Reynolds Peace Park such a valued amenity.

He said, “This award is a wonderful recognition of all the work carried out by the people who make the Albert Reynolds Peace Park such a beautiful and wonderful amenity. It reflects what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared purpose and is dedicated to maintaining and improving an attractive and accessible space for everyone.”

Chief Executive of Longford County Council, Samantha Healy, added that the council was proud to have nominated the organisation.

“Through their commitment and dedication, the Albert Reynolds Peace Park has become a valued public space that promotes inclusion, community engagement and wellbeing,” she said.

Chair of Longford Town Suburbs Project CLG, Michael Nevin, said the group was “absolutely delighted and honoured” to receive the award, pointing out that the recognition belonged to everyone who had contributed to the park's success over the years, including volunteers, committee members, partners in Longford County Council and the wider community.

Longford County Council acknowledged the work of the judges, John Fitzgerald and Anna Marie Delaney, who visited the Albert Reynolds Peace Park and met with the project committee as part of the judging process.

The council also paid tribute to the committee and volunteers of the Longford Town Suburbs Project CLG, as well as Annmarie Campbell, CE Supervisor; Joe Keenan, Assistant Supervisor; John Brannigan, Director of Services; Ciaran Murphy, Senior Executive Officer; Cathaoirleach Cllr Gerry Hagan; Samantha Healy; Michael Nevin; Mary Goldsbury, Acting Director of Services.

The council said the collective efforts of those involved had helped create a welcoming community initiative, enhancing the wellbeing of residents and providing an example of community-led development in County Longford.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme