Ireland's largest community awards will be hosted by Monaghan County Council on Saturday, November 2nd with hundreds of delegates to travel from across the four provinces to the Hillgrove Hotel in Monaghan town. The Pride of Place awards is an annual competition organised by peacebuilding charity Co-operation Ireland and sponsored by IPB Insurance. This year's awards will be the focal point of a series of events across the weekend, with booker prize shortlisted author Pat McCabe's new play Little White Lies having its premiere in the Garage Theatre on Friday, November 1st.
Established to promote and celebrate the best in community development, the awards recognise the selfless efforts of people in making their local neighbourhoods better places to live, work and socialise. Speaking to Northern Sound, Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council, Cllr David Maxwell said; "We are honoured as one of the smallest local authorities on the island to have been entrusted by Co-operation Ireland and IPB Insurance to host this year's Pride of Place Awards. In keeping with the county’s tradition of innovation, 2024 will see Pride of Place become a two day celebration of community life, beginning with a conference showcasing past winners of the competition on the Friday. This is designed to support the liaison officers in each local authority area, so they can learn from best practice, as well as to serve as a day of inspiration for community groups.
Cllr Maxwell continued; "Monaghan town is known as a great place for shopping and entertainment, and many of the local restaurants will be participating in a special ‘Taste of Monaghan’ food trail over the weekend, featuring highlights such as world class duck and Ireland’s best gin."
