Dún na Sí Amenity & Heritage Park honoured at all-Ireland community awards

Dún na Sí Amenity & Heritage Park was honoured at the prestigious Pride of Place community awards on Saturday evening (November 2) at a gala ceremony in the Hillgrove Hotel, Monaghan.

Dún na Sí won the Community Tourism Initiative category (county), beating off competition from Coiste Forbartha na Carraige (Carrick Development Group), County Donegal, and Inisturk Community Club, County Mayo.

Judges praised the role the community played in making Dún na Sí a success.

“This entry is a unique attraction that offers a range of activities for all ages and interests. Significantly it is a community led tourism initiative that is a pillar of the town and attracts large numbers of visitors annually having two complimentary elements that work perfectly together.

“After an excellent presentation the judges met many of the volunteers who were tour guides. This is an excellent example of a community coming together to transform a muddy cow park into a valuable, innovative and vibrant space for all.”

The awards, hosted by RTE’s Brendan McArdle, took place in in front of 400 community volunteers from across the island were delivered in partnership with Monaghan County Council.

Sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Pride of Place competition was initiated 22 years ago though a Co-operation Ireland programme to acknowledge the invaluable work undertaken by volunteers and those involved in local community development.

It has grown into the largest competition recognising community development achievements on the island of Ireland.

President Michael D. Higgins, Joint Patron of Co-operation Ireland, said the awards played an important role.

“The Pride of Place awards are a most important initiative, reminding us that creating societies that are ethical and inclusive is a task for all of our citizens, of all ages and circumstances.”