18 April 2016
By Bryan T. Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Mayor of the County of Cork, Councillor John Paul O’Shea launched the Pride in our Community Competition at the County Hall this week. The Pride in Our Community Competition, now celebrating its 12th year, continues to encourage communities to showcase the best of their area by developing sustainable amenities that benefit the entire community. The competition, which is organised by Cork County Federation Muintir na Tire, in conjunction with Cork County Council, continues to go from strength to strength.
Over the years, the competition has developed from a small idea to the very successful and popular competition that it is today, with a prize fund of over €7,000 and over 50 groups expected to take part again this year. Through this competition, Muintir na Tire recognises and acknowledges the hard work of all the community organisations involved around the County which in turn supports the development work of Cork County Council. The competition also seeks to make people aware of their environment, to continue the overall development of areas and to encourage litter free communities.
Mayor of County Cork, Councillor John Paul O’Shea, praised the competition and promised continued support from Cork County Council to the voluntary sector in County Cork. “The Pride in Our Community Competition is not just about an end result, which is in itself a wonderful amenity to the community; it is about the effect that the competition creates within the community. I am delighted as Mayor of the County of Cork to ask the people of Cork County to take Pride in their Communities. Have a look at your already incredible communities and pick something, it doesn’t have to big, elaborate or even different. It just needs to be something, that little bit extra that you bring to your community. It could anything be from a small bird box up to a large monument. Your identification of a small project can end up making a big difference to your community. It only takes one person and your idea will gather momentum, others will follow. Your project will encourage others to commit to enriching your community, to be proud and take great pride in what we have. Your project will bring people together. Your project will build your community.”
Cork County Council CEO Mr Tim Lucey also praised Muintir na Tire for its commitment to rural development and for their help with the County Mayor’s Community Awards.
Annette Lane, Chairperson of Cork County Federation Muintir ná Tíre, said amenities highlight the important link between our surroundings and our quality of life. It is no co-incidence she said that people travel the length and breadth of the county, visiting beauty spots in County Cork and it is important that local communities are encouraged and supported to provide amenities and that villages and towns continue to look attractive for visitor and locals.
