Buoyant Ballinakill flies flag for Laois at Pride of Place Awards

Ballinkaill will be the pride of Laois with it flies the flag for the county at the annnual the Pride of Place awards in Dublin this weekend.

The community, which is located close to Abbeyleix and not far from the Kilkenny border is competing with communities from the 32 counties 300 to 1000 citizens category at Ireland’s largest Community Awards which will be hosted by Dublin City Council.

Pride of Place is an All-island competition, whereby local authorities from across the island of Ireland nominate groups in their communities, who they adjudge have made a signification contribution to improving their neighbourhood, working.

Ballinakill  showcased its community champions superbly in September 2022,  greeting the judges in the IPB  sponsored competition.

There was no mistaking the pride of local people, when they displayed for the judges, all that they have and continue to do, to make Ballinakill a better place to live, work and visit.

Laois County Council explains why Abbeyleix was chosen BELOW PICTURE.

Schoolchildren welcome Pride of Place Judges.

"It has a rich heritage and a great natural beauty. Its unique 'Toll Trees', Market Square, 1798 Monument, Ballinakill Castle and Heywood Estate & Gardens are some of the landmarks which frame its history and tell its story.

"Its natural beauty is a backdrop for a number of outdoor activities- heritage walks, cycle routes & fishing or a simple stroll through the woods to enjoy the peace & tranquillity it offers.

"It has a variety of voluntary clubs - GAA, Tidy Towns and recently formed Ballinakill Community Development Association CLG among them. The local hall is home to cookery, guitar & fitness schools, an Active retirement group, bingo & cards. It has a squash club, outdoor swimming pool & a playground.

Judges at Heywood Gardens.

"It is a vibrant, growing community whose members are committed to maximising its beauty, history, facilities and the talents of its people for the benefit of all. 

"Community participation and innovation is at the forefront of everything they do in Ballinakill  and it is these qualities, which will ensure that the needs of the community will be met in the years ahead," said the council's Community Section.

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.

The aim of the Pride of Place competition is to recognise initiatives taken by local communities to create pride in their area and to celebrate the vital contribution that community groups make to society and focuses on people coming together to shape, enhance and enjoy all that is good about their area.

Laois County Council says Pride of Place is an ideal platform to recognise the huge efforts being made in communities around the country and to thank people for their efforts.

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"The spirit of collaboration and camaraderie represented by the various initiatives is inspiring and is an excellent example of how communities can work together to make a real and practical difference to society. The competition is about showing respect and inclusion for every sector in our communities, young, old, rich, or poor and creating communities to which the people are proud to say they belong.

"It is also about communities demonstrating pride in their heritage, culture, achievements, people, and place," said the council.

Showing off the sports facilities to the judges.

In its 20th year, the Pride of Place awards  is an annual competition, organised by peacebuilding charity Co- operation Ireland and is sponsored by IPB Insurance.

The finale takes place on Saturday, January 21 when Team Ballinakill will join hundreds of delegates from across the four provinces to the Clayton Hotel, Ballsbridge, in Dubin.