Kildare County Council gives out Pride in Your Place Awards 2021

The prizes recognize the efforts of individuals and groups to support and improve the life of communities across the Irish county

Community movers and shakers gathered at the Westgrove Hotel in Clane, County Kildare on the night of 4 November to celebrate with the winners of the Pride in Your Place Competition. Hosted by Kildare County Council, the award ceremony gave due credit to the hard work of individuals and groups to support and improve the life of their communities. The colourful bunch of winners included young and old volunteers, gardeners and local authority residents’ associations from around the county.

Award categories and winners

The popular competition for local authority and approved housing body estates which runs for the 26^th year saw 52 entries representing over 30 estates. Prizes were given out for best kept gardens, estate maintenance and community development.

For 18 years now, Kildare County Council has been rewarding young people who make an outstanding contribution to community life. This year’s Youth Endeavour Awards went to 7 young men and women for their endeavours in making their communities great places to live.

A new category - Covid Hero - was introduced for this year’s awards to distinguish exceptional efforts in community support during the pandemic. The Covid Hero Award 2021 was presented to Kathleen McEvoy & Karen Leavy of Bishopsland Awareness Committee. The long-time volunteers have created a food bank as a COVID-19 response and delivered weekly food parcels to residents in their own estate. 

Selfless dedication

Naoise Ó Cearúil, Cathaoirleach of the County of Kildare said during the prize-giving ceremony: "Today's event is one of the most important in Kildare County Council's annual diary. Today is about celebrating the hard work of individuals and groups throughout the County. Community is what brings us all closer together and it has been extremely evident over the past two years just how important it is. All recipients today have demonstrated their dedication to their respective communities and given selflessly of their time."