Clare Covid-19 initiatives recognised at Council awards

Clare County Council took home a gold medal at the annual Community and Council Awards held in Dublin recently.

The local authority won first place in the National Impact Award category for its Covid Heroes Award & Card Writing Initiative.

A silver award was won in the Best Waste Management category for its Clare Waste Awareness Week initiative.

The Council also took bronze awards in the Best Connected Council category for its Waterways Ireland Virtual Open Day; best disability access and inclusion category for its ‘Age Friendly Clare
Digital Nursing Home Initiative’; Clare Fire Service was awarded in the Emergency Response Person/Team of the Year category.

Announcing the Clare Covid Heroes initiative at the time, then Cathaoirleach Mary Howard said the idea was to provide recognition for people who have helped others, with no expectation of any reward.

“This initiative is about celebrating the ‘everyday heroes’ all around us who have been quietly helping and supporting others during the past year under the various Covid-19 restrictions,” said Councillor Howard.

“From providing practical assistance, such as ordering online shopping for older relatives and neighbours, to offering emotional support, perhaps through socially distanced visits or video and phone call check-ins, people in our communities have really been there for each other. Little gestures can mean a lot, and can have a big impact on the lives of others.

“The past year has been very challenging in all sorts of ways. But the response of people in Clare to support and be there for each other has been commendable, indeed heroic.”

Regarding the card writing initiative, Councillor Howard, again in her role as cathaoirleach, had offered to write a personal card or letter to those in the community who would appreciate a message of support at the height of the Covid-19 restrictions at this challenging time.

She said at the time, “From my engagement with people in all walks of life across the county, I know that there are many people for whom the Covid-19 restrictions have limited their opportunities for social interaction, causing them to feel more alone.

“Those who have been cocooning for long periods, for example, can feel somewhat cut off from the community on account of having to forego many of the activities that had hitherto been so important to them.

“I want everyone to remember that communities in Clare support each other, and to make a gesture as Mayor that acknowledges the challenges people are facing and to remind them that assistance is available.”

Now in their 15th year, the 2021 All Ireland Community & Council Awards presented by IPB Insurance and LAMA celebrate community and councils working together.
They provide an opportunity to highlight the work done within our communities, to reward unsung heroes and recognise the phenomenal contribution they’ve made to our lives as well as acknowledge achievements from local Community and County Councils, partnerships and projects that enhance our everyday lives.