Wexford’s representatives, the picturesque village of Craanford, are the winners of the 300-1,000 population category in the All-Ireland Pride of Place awards hosted by Kilkenny County Council in the Lyrath Estate Hotel last Saturday. Craanford beat off competition from Scotshouse, Co. Monaghan and Ballinahown, Co. Westmeath.

The judges paid tribute to the underlying and all-embracing community spirit of the people of Craanford and to the many and varied initiatives and projects successfully undertaken the community on a voluntary basis over recent months and years.

On the day of the judges’ visit to Craanford, the whole village turned out in support of the competition. Among the projects which the judging team visited were the lovingly restored 18^th century Corn Mill and the wonderful sports complex, while the flagship project was undoubtedly the recently completed underpass, giving children safe passage to their local school.

Speaking at the event, Pride of Place founder and Chairman Tom Dowling said; “These Awards continue to be as important as ever and the purpose of the awards has never changed. They are about recognising and celebrating the extraordinary, inspirational and tireless work being done by communities all over the Island of Ireland as they strive to make their place a better place.

Dr Christopher Moran, Chairman of Co-operation Ireland said: “Pride of Place deserves its position as one of the most prestigious community awards on the island of Ireland and Co-operation Ireland is delighted to support this worthy initiative and to see it go from strength to strength.”

George Jones, Chairman of IPB Insurance said: “IPB Insurance is proud to be title sponsors of Pride of Place. These awards recognise how volunteerism at a local level delivers an all-island social impact creating better places in which to live, work and socialise. As such, they are an excellent fit for IPB in our role as a mutual insurer of local authorities and their communities.”