Coiste Forbartha na Carraige honoured at All-Ireland Community Awards

A Donegal community group was honoured at the prestigious Pride of Place community awards at a gala ceremony in the Hillgrove Hotel, Monaghan.

Coiste Forbartha na Carraige - the Carrick Development Group - came runner-up in the Community Tourism Initiative category, just behind Dún na Sí Amenity and Heritage Park, Co Westmeath.

The awards, hosted by RTE’s Brendan McArdle, took place in front of 400 community volunteers from across the island were delivered in partnership with Monaghan County Council.

Sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Pride of Place competition was initiated 22 years ago through a Co-operation Ireland programme to acknowledge the invaluable work undertaken by volunteers and those involved in local community development.

It has grown into the largest competition recognising community development achievements on the island of Ireland.

President Michael D Higgins, Joint Patron of Co-operation Ireland, said the awards played an important role: “The Pride of Place awards are a most important initiative, reminding us that creating societies that are ethical and inclusive is a task for all of our citizens, of all ages and circumstances.”