Portumna Tidy Towns and Tuam Women’s Shed have been chosen to represent County Galway in the 2026 IPB Pride of Place Awards.
The community groups will compete 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.
Galway County Council has nominated Portumna Tidy Towns in the Community Tourism Initiative category, while Tuam Women’s Shed on behalf of Tuam Palace Grounds is participating in the Inclusive Communities category.
Judges will visit Portumna on August 31, and Tuam on September 1, as part of the adjudication process, before the winners are announced at the IPB Pride of Place Awards Gala Dinner in the Convention Centre Dublin on 24 October.
Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council Councillor Andrew Reddington said the two nominations reflected the strength of community spirit across the county.
“Portumna Tidy Towns and Tuam Women’s Shed represent the very best of community leadership and volunteerism in County Galway. Their dedication has transformed local spaces, strengthened community pride and created places where people feel connected and supported.”
“They are wonderful ambassadors for Galway, and I wish both groups every success in this year’s competition.”
Galway County Council’s Deputy Chief Executive, Uinsinn Finn, said the nominations highlighted the positive impact of communities working together. “The Pride of Place Awards celebrate communities that achieve extraordinary things through partnership and volunteer effort.”
“Both Portumna Tidy Towns and Tuam Women’s Shed have demonstrated what can be achieved when local people work together with a shared vision to improve their communities. We are delighted to nominate them to represent County Galway and look forward to welcoming the judges later this summer.”
Portumna Tidy Towns has led a range of initiatives to enhance the south Galway town, with a focus on heritage, environmental quality and tourism. The group has supported projects showcasing local attractions including Portumna Castle, the Blueway, Forest Park and the restored courthouse, helping strengthen the town’s appeal for residents and visitors alike.
Established in 2021, Tuam Women’s Shed has developed into a significant community organisation focused on wellbeing, inclusion and social connection.
Working alongside volunteers, schools, businesses and Galway County Council, the group helped deliver the Michael McGrath Sensory Garden at Tuam Palace Grounds, creating an accessible community space designed for people of all ages and abilities.
Michael Owens, Director of Services with responsibility for Rural, Community and Tourism Development, urged local communities to get behind both groups during the adjudication visits.
“The judging days are an opportunity for communities to showcase not only the outstanding work undertaken by these groups, but also the pride and community spirit that exists in Portumna and Tuam.”
“I would encourage everyone in Portumna and Tuam to come out and support their local groups during the adjudication visits. A strong community welcome will help demonstrate the lasting value these projects have brought to their local areas and the positive impact they continue to have every day.”
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.
