Craanford village wins Pride of Place national award
THE celebrations could be heard far and wide as Craanford village was announced as one of the Pride of Place national title award winners at the national awards ceremony over the weekend.
Beating off tough competition to take the trophy in the category based on a population of between 300 and 1,000, the judges liked what they saw during a tour that took place in July alongside some keen locals and councillors.
One newly elected councillor from the area was Donal Kenny, and he attended the awards ceremony.
‘The competition was high, but we felt like we had a reasonable chance having been nominated before. The committee had done a great preparation, and we were all very pleased as it was such a good achievement.
‘We got great feedback from the judges, really unbelievable. We knew we could achieve great things in the village but we managed some far fetched things, beyond our wildest dreams of about 20 years ago,’ he said.
Judges said that it was not just the many varied projects and initiatives but the underlying and all embracing community spirit of Craanford that made it a worthy winner.
‘It almost goes without saying that volunteers carry out much of the vital project work in this go ahead community.
‘On the day of the judges’ visit the whole village turned out in support of the competition.
‘An 18th Century Corn Mill has been lovingly restored and a wonderful sports complex completed, but the flagship project was undoubtedly the building of an underpass giving children safe passage to their local school,’ the judges said on the night.
Judges described north Wexford as picturesque, but the village itself as quaint and steeped in ancient history dating back to 1798.
‘Local committees work together to make Craanford an attractive destination in which to live and visit and it is a place that is very positive, forward looking and innovative.
‘Volunteerism is strong and vibrant and there are wonderful amenities for all. If the old saying ‘It takes a village to rear a child’ is true then the community is in a very privileged position in Craanford’.
The competition continues again next year to focus on people coming together to shape, change and improve daily lives in their communities.
Cllr Kenny said that Craanford will come back fighting again in next year’s competition.
‘We’ll reflect and drive on, we are just getting better and better and we want to improve again on what we’ve done so far.
‘We have a good young committee who are full of energy and we can build on the success. I want to say a big thanks to Michael Sweeney of Wexford County Council, my fellow councillor Anthony Donohoe along with the committee, who have worked so tirelessly,’ he said.