Volunteers in Portumna and Tuam have put their communities in the spotlight during a two-day judging visit for the IPB Pride of Place competition.
Pride of Place adjudicators Tom Dowling and Peter Hynes visited Portumna on Monday before travelling to Tuam on today, where they met volunteers, community groups, young people and local organisations.
Portumna Tidy Towns and Tuam Women’s Shed have been nominated by Galway County Council to represent the county in the 24th annual all-island competition, which recognises the achievements of voluntary groups and organisations working to improve local areas through volunteering, inclusion and regeneration.
Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, Cllr Andrew Reddington, said the visits had highlighted the commitment of volunteers in both towns. “Pride of Place is about recognising people who give their time because they care about where they live.”
“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.”
Galway County Council Chief Executive Liam Conneally said the competition provided an opportunity to showcase work which often happens away from the spotlight. “The Pride of Place competition gives communities the chance to showcase the work that goes on in Galway County communities quietly throughout the year.”
“In Portumna and Tuam we have seen people taking real ownership of their communities and working together to create places that are welcoming, vibrant and inclusive. The level of voluntary commitment is hugely impressive and is a credit to everyone involved.”
Portumna Tidy Towns is representing Galway in the Community Tourism Initiative category. The group has led a range of projects aimed at improving the town’s environment while showcasing its heritage and attractions, including Portumna Castle, the Blueway, Forest Park and the restored courthouse.
The theme of the judges’ visit to the town on Monday was ‘Portumna – This is Us’, with the town’s community spirit, heritage and tourism offering taking centre stage. The judging began at the newly refurbished Portumna Courthouse with a performance by the Portumna Community School Chamber Choir.
The judges then took part in an extensive tour of the town, including a boat trip on Lough Derg, Portumna Abbey, Portumna Castle and Gardens, the Arts Park and playground, the Irish Workhouse Centre and Portumna Forest Park.
Tuam Women’s Shed is representing Galway in the Inclusive Communities category.
Established in 2021, the group has grown into an important community organisation focused on wellbeing, inclusion and social connection.
The judges visited 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. They also heard about health and accessibility initiatives involving the Irish Wheelchair Association, HSE and Ability West.
The visit included the Michael McGrath 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.
Michael Owens, Director of Services with Galway County Council, said the judging visits demonstrated the breadth of community activity taking place across Galway. “What really stood out was the range of people involved, from young people and schools to sporting organisations, businesses, community groups and older residents.”
“Portumna has shown how heritage, tourism and environmental projects can come together to promote a town, while Tuam Women’s Shed has shown how community-led projects can create greater inclusion and connection. Both are excellent examples of what can be achieved when people come together and take pride in their community.”
Organised by Co-operation Ireland and sponsored by IPB Insurance, the awards honour communities that have shown outstanding commitment to creating vibrant, inclusive and sustainable places to live.
County Galway has enjoyed notable success in the competition in recent years. Clarinbridge won the 300-1,000 Population category at last year’s awards in Limerick, while Creggs Rural Development Group secured victory in its category in 2023.
The winners of the 2026 IPB Pride of Place competition will be announced at the national awards ceremony in the Convention Centre Dublin on 24 October.
