Benwiskin Centre is Highly Commended
THE unique vision of a sustainable future developed by the Benwiskin Centre in Ballintrillick has been Highly Commended in this year’s national ‘ Get Involved’ Awards.
A dozen team members from the Ballintrillick Environmental Group ( BEG) which runs the Benwiskin centre attended a prestigious awards ceremony in the Crown Plaza Blanchardstown hotel in Dublin last Thursday.
The ‘ Get Involved’ is a way for local communities all over Ireland to work together to improve their own lives, create local jobs and protect the environment.
It’s also a sustainable communities initiative developed by 51 local newspapers throughout Ireland, including The Sligo Champion.
The organic community garden at the Benwiskin Centre was shortlisted as one of six finalists from over 30 projects around the country.
St Patrick’s Boys School Skibbereen won joint first for their Community Sensory Garden run by the schoolboys and their parents, publicised by The Southern Star newspaper.
The other joint winners were Broadford Ashford Walking Trail in Limerick run in conjunction with the Limerick Leader.
Finalists had to make a two minute ‘ Dragon’s Den’ style presentation to four judges before the winners were announced.
Ballintrillick Environmental Group Director Aidan Gillan duly stepped up to the mark and impressed everyone with his presentation and rendition of ‘ Amazing Grace’ on tin whistle.
“We were delighted to have been chosen as one of the six finalists,” said Ballintrillick Environmental Group Chairman Aidan Gillan afterwards.
“It was an honour to be selected as one of six out of the whole country. It gives us plenty of positivity going forward. There’s always next year. If you’re out there doing stuff , that’s what life’s all about.
“People are looking for community. With the divisions between Church and State ongoing, communities will need to be more empowering and doing stuff for ourselves instead of waiting for somebody else to come along,” added Aidan.
Manorhamilton sculptor Seamus Dun- bar represented North Leitrim Sustainable Energy Committee which won a bursary of 3,000 for their energy project.
In praising all entries, Broadcaster Duncan Stewart said: “The impacts of climate change are upon us. I think the only solution is going to be a bottom up movement and you are the pioneers of this. It is only through local collaboration that we can turn it around and capitalise one these opportunities.”