CARLOW’S community spirit was on full display this summer as four outstanding local initiatives welcomed judges for the 2025 IPB Pride of Place awards, demonstrating the county’s commitment to grassroots engagement and community excellence.

The judging process began on Friday 13 June, when judges Martina Moloney and Declan Nelson visited two particular projects that exemplify the power of community-driven change.

Accessible Counselling Tullamore (ACT), the volunteer-led mental health charity, welcomed judges from the prestigious IPB Pride of Place Awards today (Monday) for a special site visit.

The charity has been shortlisted in the 2025 competition, which recognises community groups making an exceptional impact across Ireland, after being nominated by Offaly County Council.

Five community initiatives from County Roscommon have been shortlisted for this year’s Pride of Place awards, one of the island’s most esteemed honours, celebrating grassroots excellence.

  Organised by Co-operation Ireland in partnership with Irish Public Bodies (IPB), the all-island awards recognise the contributions of local communities in promoting inclusivity, sustainability and wellbeing. Roscommon County Council, through its Community Development Department, has supported each project in the adjudication process.

Judging in the IPB Pride of Place National Competition took place this morning in Carlow Town, with judges being show the best of what the town can offer.

Judges were met by representatives of local community groups and councillors, and were toured through Carlow Town Park and the Delta Sensory Gardens.

The four groups that will represent Limerick in the 2025 IPB Pride of Place Awards have been selected from across the city and county

Louth County Council has nominated two outstanding initiatives to represent the county in the national “Pride of Place” competition - Boyne Valley Camino in the Community Tourism Initiative category and Dromiskin Tidy Towns, in the 1,000–2,000 population category.

Thrive Balbriggan, the Community of Rivervalley & Rathingle in Swords, and the Coolmine Lodge Biodiversity Project in Dublin 15 will each represent Fingal County Council in three different categories when the judging team come to the county on Monday August 25th and Tuesday August 26th