Community pride in the spotlight

VOLUNTEERS in Tuam were in the spotlight during a two-day judging visit to Galway for the IPB Pride of Place competition.

Pride of Place is an all-island competition that acknowledges the work that communities are doing to shape, change and improve daily lives in their communities.

Tuam Women’s Shed and Portumna Tidy Towns have been nominated by Galway County Council to represent the county this year. Adjudicators Tom Dowling and Peter Hynes visited Tuam yesterday (Tuesday).

Tuam Women’s Shed were put forward for their role in creating the Michael McGrath Sensory Garden in the Palace Grounds.

Established in 2021, the group has grown into an important community organisation focused on wellbeing, inclusion and social connection.

The judges visited the Tuam Palace Grounds and met representatives of the local Indian community, Galway Sports Partnership youth leaders, Trinity Primary School and High Cross College, as well as Galway County Council’s Integration Team.

Number of initiatives

They also heard about health and accessibility initiatives involving the Irish Wheelchair Association, the HSE and Ability West. The visit included the Sensory Garden and Nicola’s Dog Park, with members of Tuam Tidy Towns, Circle of Friends and the Tuam Active Retirement Association also taking part.

“Pride of Place is about recognising people who give their time because they care about where they live,” stated Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Cllr Andrew Reddington.

“What we have seen in Portumna and Tuam over the two days is a huge amount of energy, commitment and pride. These are communities where people don’t wait for someone else to make things happen. They get involved themselves, and that is something we should be very proud of.”

The winners of the 2026 IPB Pride of Place competition will be announced at the national awards ceremony in the Convention Centre Dublin on Saturday October 24.