Rathdrum collects Pride of Place award
RATHDRUM was crowned the best Urban Neighbourhood/Village with a population between 1,000 and 2,000 at the national Pride of Place awards on Saturday.
The Pride of Place awards celebrate 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 see the country’s local authorities, on both sides of the border, nominate outstanding projects that contribute to civic pride.
A second award is also bound for the Garden County after the Wicklow Hospice Foundation was presented with a special award in recognition of its work during the ceremony in Cork City Hall.
Judges were full of praise for Rathdrum and local efforts to boost the town.
‘ This is a small town on the move – there is hope, confidence and a realisation of the potential of some major tourist attractions,’ the judges said.
‘ The community has decided to take its future in its own hands. There is significant support from the council and politicians, which was clearly signalled on the day of the judges’ visit.’
As for the Wicklow Hospice Foundation, the judges’ spoke of ‘an initiative dealing with a hugely important care issue and on course to deliver one of the most important projects any community could dare to hope to have – all being achieved through one of the greatest feats of fundraising that the judges have ever witnessed.’
Rathdrum based its entry on four showcase areas; The Market Square, The Famine Graveyard, The Parnell Memorial Park including the playground and outdoor gym, and Avondale House and Forest Park.
Cllr Pat Kennedy, who coordinated and spearheaded the Rathdrum campaign, said that the four areas were chosen because ‘ the community does a huge amount of work in all of the above areas and takes great pride in them. They portray the very best of Rathdrum and the work ethic and commitment of the local people.’
‘ This is an absolutely fabulous achievement and a real testament to Rathdrum and its people. We have a strong sense of community with fantastic volunteers who give their time to make sure Rathdrum is at its best. This award shows that we are moving forward in a real and meaningful way. From now on, whenever people search for Rathdrum be itt online or through other channels, they will see this vote of confidence in the town. It highlights Rathdrum as a place to work, set up a home and rear families,’ he added.
Cllr Kennedy paid tribute to Rathdrum Development Association, playground committee, Tidy Towns, Christmas C lights and Avon Motors, TUS workers w and local people who worked hard to ensure the village looked its best for judging. He also thanked Wicklow County Council for nominating Rathdrum. How are charities regulated in Ireland?
THE Charities Regulatory Authority (Charities Regulator) regulates charities in Ireland. It maintains a public register of charities and monitors their compliance with the Charities Act 2009. This Act sets out what an organisation must do to be recognised as a charity and the legal obligations for operating as a charity in Ireland.
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