The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Kerry groups travel north for Pride of Place
IT’S going to be an exciting trip north for three Kerry community groups who have been nominated for this year’s Irish Pride of Place awards which take place in Belfast’s Waterfront Hall this Saturday, November 26.
Imagining Iveragh, the Glencar community and South Kerry Rural Men’s Shed project are the three nominations that will represent Kerry before 800 guests from community organisations all across Ireland.
Each of the Kerry groups were visited by judges in late June and the feedback this year is said to have been of an extremely high standard.
This year the awards will be hosted by Belfast City Council in association with Co-Operation Ireland and there is huge excitement among the Kerry trio in advance of the trip. Each entrant was nominated for the contribution it makes to the social fabric of rural life, helping to build greater community links, while also enhancing their locality’s potential for tourism.
Glencar community was nominated in the under-300 population category and the application refers to a community ‘resilient and inventive, that continually seeks to improve the area as a place to live and work’. The area’s strong tradition of mountain sheep and cattle farming has also been highlighted, while the community continues to promote tourism in what’s described as a ‘varied landscape’, providing a haven for wildlife and nature watchers.
Described as ‘a hidden jewel of Kerry’, the area’s rare flowers and plants are also highlighted as Glencar is home to an EU LIFE project. Rich archaeology, history and folklore, with prime angling in both the Caragh River and Lake region, set within the foothills of Carrauntoohil, also form an integral part of the project.
‘Imagining Iveragh’ is nominated under the Community Enterprise Initiative and the aim of this project is the creation of sustainable economic development, by identifying the natural assets and strengths of the area and turning these into viable economic opportunities.
‘Imagining Iveragh’ is a project initiated by its community involving a collaborative partnership with stakeholders, Kerry County Council and The George Brown College Toronto (Institute without Boundaries). Furthermore, this is a project where ‘Action Research’ and ‘Design Thinking’ is used to encourage the community, stakeholders and researchers to work together to design actionable solutions, the application states.
The Rural Men’s Project in south Kerry is nominated under the Age Friendly category and targets social isolation and feelings of exclusion for rural men in south Kerry. This is a meeting point that provides an essential social outlet for men who, due to the changes in community life, do not have the same opportunities to meet and talk as they did in the past.
Activities include outings, card games, rambling house sessions, visits to local pubs and linking with other organisations such as Sean Chairde, have been highlighted. Some of the outings arranged previously included trips to Dublin, Belfast, Dingle, Listowel Races, the Ploughing Championships, and five football games in Croke Park.
Good luck to all Kerry entrants!