The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairí McHugh, hosted a civic reception in the Guildhall this week to recognise staff and Board members of the Waterside Shared Village following their success at the All-Ireland IPB Pride of Place Awards 2025, where the project was announced as the Inclusive Communities category winner. The prestigious crystal award, inscribed with the citation “Celebrating Excellence in community inclusion and shared place-making,” was formally presented in acknowledgement of the organisation’s sustained commitment to building a welcoming, shared, and inclusive environment for all. Mayor McHugh congratulated everyone at the organisation, “This award is a powerful endorsement of the vision, dedication, and hard work shown by everyone involved in the Waterside Shared Village. Their work demonstrates how inclusive, shared spaces can strengthen community cohesion for everyone involved. I’d like to say a huge congratulations to everyone – keep up the inspiring work!” PICTURED BELOW: Receiving the award is Director, Alderman Niree McMorris with from left, Laura Smyth, Jean Stewart, Lynn Donnell and Sharon Hart, Board members from Irish Street Community Association. (Photos: Martin McKeown) We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether it’s a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots. We are inviting people to share photos that capture the spirit of the county. From special occasions to quieter moments, your pictures help tell the story of everyday life in our community. To submit: Go to the Camera Club page and follow the instructions to upload your photo. Include your name, where it was taken, and a short caption if you can. Your photo could be featured on our website and newspaper and seen by readers across the county and beyond. TAP HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PICTURES TODAY

placeholder image — The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairí McHugh, hosted a civic reception in the Guildhall this week to recognise staff and Board members of the Waterside Shared Village following their success at the All-Ireland IPB Pride of Place Awards 2025, where the project was announced as the Inclusive Communities category winner. The prestigious crystal award, inscribed with the citation “Celebrating Excellence in community inclusion and shared place-making,” was formally presented in acknowledgement of the organisation’s sustained commitment to building a welcoming, shared, and inclusive environment for all. Mayor McHugh congratulated everyone at the organisation, “This award is a powerful endorsement of the vision, dedication, and hard work shown by everyone involved in the Waterside Shared Village. Their work demonstrates how inclusive, shared spaces can strengthen community cohesion for everyone involved. I’d like to say a huge congratulations to everyone – keep up the inspiring work!” PICTURED BELOW: Receiving the award is Director, Alderman Niree McMorris with from left, Laura Smyth, Jean Stewart, Lynn Donnell and Sharon Hart, Board members from Irish Street Community Association. (Photos: Martin McKeown) We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether it’s a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots. We are inviting people to share photos that capture the spirit of the county. From special occasions to quieter moments, your pictures help tell the story of everyday life in our community. To submit: Go to the Camera Club page and follow the instructions to upload your photo. Include your name, where it was taken, and a short caption if you can. Your photo could be featured on our website and newspaper and seen by readers across the county and beyond. TAP HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PICTURES TODAY

IN PICTURES: Civic reception for Derry’s award winning Waterside Shared Village

Published 16th Jan 2026, 20:33 GMT

The project was named the top Inclusive Community at the prestigious 2025 All-Ireland IPB Pride of Place Awards

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Board members from Hillcrest Trust pictured receiving the award are from left, Claire McLaughlin, Councillor Christopher Jackson, Geraldine O'Donnell, Director, Bernie Brown and Chris Ferguson.

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Included from left are Allison Wallace, Laura Smith, Lynn Donnell, Jean Stewart, Claire McLaughlin, Councillor Christopher Jackson, Geraldine O'Donnell, Director, Eoin Doherty, DCSDC staff, Alderman Niree McMorris, Director, Bernie Brown, Chris Ferguson, Dawn McDaid, DCSDC staff and Sharon Hart. (Photos: Martin McKeown)

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We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether it’s a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots. We are inviting people to share photos that capture the spirit of the county. From special occasions to quieter moments, your pictures help tell the story of everyday life in our community. To submit: Go to the Camera Club page and follow the instructions to upload your photo. Include your name, where it was taken, and a short caption if you can. Your photo could be featured on our website and newspaper and seen by readers across the county and beyond. TAP HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PICTURES TODAY For more information scan the QR code below.

IN PICTURES: Civic reception for Derry’s award winning Waterside Shared Village

The project was named the top Inclusive Community at the prestigious 2025 All-Ireland IPB Pride of Place Awards

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