Gary Kelly Centre honoured
THE Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre was honoured at the annual IPB Pride of Place awards held in Cork City Hall.
The group took first place in the Community Wellbeing Initiative - Targeted category.
The judges said: ‘ This Centre made an immediate impression on the judges who experienced ongoing therapy sessions at first hand. They visited this impressive facility which is a sanctuary for the retreat, reflection and recovery of cancer sufferers and met with the enthusiastic volunteers who work alongside a dedicated professional staff body.’
Collon also represented Louth in the Population Cat- egory 300 – 1000 and were very proud to represent their community at the awards night. They have worked exceptionally hard to develop their community.
Those nominated joined with 800 community heroes from across the country at the awards which are operated in association with peace building charity Co-operation Ireland.
The Pride of Place awards, described as the ‘Oscars of the Community Sector’, celebrates the often unsung work of community groups that selflessly work to make local neighbourhoods a better place to live in, work in or visit.
Organised by Co-operation Ireland and sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Pride of Place awards sees the country’s local authorities, on both sides of the border, nominate outstanding projects that contribute to civic pride.
The Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council Cllr. Liam Reilly attended the ceremony and said: ‘Louth has a strong tradition of volunteerism and community action and we have taken part for many years in the Pride of Place competition. The Gala Awards evening recognises the invaluable efforts of our volunteers who glue our communities together’.
Joan Martin, Chief Executive of Louth County Council ex- pressed her delight at Louth’s representatives at the awards.
‘Collon represented their county with great pride and the Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre’s success in winning the Community Wellbeing Initiative – Targeted category is a fantastic achievement. Louth has a proud tradition in the Pride of Place competition and we will continue to support this initiative going forward. I would also like to congratulate all the winners, and recognise all those nominated for the competition, all of which continue to work tirelessly to strengthen our communities’.