Kilnaboy Youth Club awarded for their co-operation

THE role members of Kilnaboy Youth Club play in society and in adopting a partnership approach in the care of the elderly within their community was key to the club receiving a major award in this year’s Co-operation Ireland’s annual Pride of Place competition.

The adjudicators described the group as an excellent example of a vibrant youth club developed over many years in a rural area and lauded the commitment and drive of the leaders in the caring role they encourage within their locality.
“What marked this entry out as special was the manifest support of the wider community and the highly laudable endeavours of the youth club to provide services for the elderly. The breadth of available activities gives plenty of choice for all,” the adjudicators commented.
At the ceremony at the Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle, County Down, the North Clare organisation won the youth-themed single issue category. The club received an exclusive crystal decorative memento and a cheque for €1,000.
Three other local organisations – Lisdoonvarna Fáilte Ltd, O’Briensbridge Community Group and Clare Family Resource Centre – were also shortlisted in the all-island competition which aims to recognise and celebrate the vital contributions that community groups make to society.
Pride of Place, which is run in conjunction with local authorities north and south of the border, was first piloted in the summer of 2003 and came from the Local Authority All-Island Steering Forum – a forum that encourages strategic, sustainable approaches to cross border co-operation.
Mayor of Clare Councillor Tony Mulcahy said Kilnaboy Youth Club was a great example of what could be achieved by adopting a partnership approach to improving community life.
Mayor Mulcahy continued, “The commitment and community spirit that has been demonstrated by members of the club is reflective of the enormous civic pride that exists among voluntary and community organisations throughout County Clare.
“I would like to compliment Kilnaboy Youth Club and Clare’s other participants in Pride of Place for their valuable work to further improve the lives of those who live in, work and visit their respective communities. They should also be commended for their commitment to working closely with the community, public representatives, local businesses, Clare County Council and other bodies.”
According to Betty Devanny, Pride of Place co-coordinator in Clare, this competition
focuses on local communities, both north and south of the border, coming together to shape, change and enjoy all that is good about their area.
Groups have the opportunity to network, exchange ideas and learn from others and further promote their activities.
“This year, we received expressions of interest from towns and villages all over the county and the council is delighted to see that one of its four nominees has achieved national success. This is especially gratifying considering that Tuamgraney Development Association was also named as one of the principal category winners in 2008,” added Ms Devanny.