Judges from the prestigious all-Ireland Pride of Place competition recently visited members of Laurencetown, Lenaderg and Tullylish (LLT) Community Association and Royal Black Perceptory (RPB) 1000 to hear first-hand about the inspiring work they have undertaken through their respective projects.

Having been nominated by Banbridge District Council for an award, each group was given an opportunity to showcase the initiatives they have undertaken and the long-lasting and positive impacts their work brings to their communities. As well as nominating each group, the Council has financially supported their applications to the competition.

Council Chairman Junior McCrum praised the work of both groups and said: “LLT Community Association and RBP 1000 are great examples of local people who work hard to meet the needs of their respective communities. We’re committed to supporting the sustainable growth of active, organised, influential and informed communities, and competitions such as this enable us to help raise the profile of local groups who do exemplary work. Both groups merit recognition for the many benefits that their work brings to their community and the district. So I wish them every success in the competition.”

LLT Community Association, who were nominated in the ‘Previous Prize Winners’ category, entertained the judges in the morning. They gave a presentation outlining the work they have undertaken since last being nominated in 2007, before fielding a series of questions from the Co-operation Ireland representatives. The judges then got the opportunity to hear first-hand from individuals and groups who have been active in the local community and who have been working tirelessly to make Lawrencetown, Lenaderg and Tullylish a better place to live.

After lunch it was the turn of RBP 1000 who were nominated in the ‘Cultural Tourism’ category for their organisation of the Scarva Sham Fight. Following their presentation and question and answer session, representatives from the group met with various organisations that benefit from the staging of the popular annual event. Before leaving the judges were taken to Scarvagh House demesne and shown where the mock battle takes place each year.

Now in its tenth year, the Pride of Place competition continues to grow in terms of its prestige and popularity. The competition is run by Co-operation Ireland in partnership with the All-Island Local Authority Steering Forum, a forum which encourages strategic and sustainable approaches to cross-border co-operation by local authorities.

The winning entrants in each category will be announced at an awards ceremony to be held later this year.