The prestigious IPB Pride of Place Awards will be hosted in Clare once again.
Co-operation Ireland and IPB Insurance, who run the annual competition in
conjunction with local authorities north and south of the border, have informed Clare County Council of their decision to award the hosting of the 2015 event in the Banner County.
It is the first time in the 12-year history of the all-island competition that the same county has hosted the ceremony two years running.
Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, John Crowe said the local authority “looks forward to welcoming communities from all over the island of Ireland to the county later this year.”
“Clare County Council was delighted to have played a key role in organising a hugely successful event for Cooperation Ireland in November. As cathaoirleach, it was fantastic to hear back so many positive comments from those in attendance about the event and our County,” he added.
Chief executive of Clare County Council, Tom Coughlan stated, “The council is once again happy to play its part in showcasing the positive contribution made by local community groups the length and breadth of Ireland to promoting the overall enhancement of their localities. The positive economic impact of this event for Ennis and the wider county is also significant and underlines the council’s commitment to attracting large events to Clare.”
More than 750 people from all over the island of Ireland gathered at Treacys West County Hotel in Ennis last November for the 2014 awards ceremony, which saw Killaloe and Tuamgraney received Runner-Up prizes in their respective categories. Clare County Council won a special award for its contribution to the competition since it was first established in 2003.
A native of Ennis, Colin McGann has been editor of The Clare Champion since August 2020. Former editor of The Clare People, he is a journalism and communications graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.