Judges of IPB Pride of Place awards, Dorothy Clarke and Declan Nelson, with members of the Clara Town FC at Stanley O’Hara Park.

Pride of Place judges pay visits to three Offaly nominees

Published: Fri 17 Jul 2026, 6:35 PM

Three Offaly groups, Clara Town FC, Kilcormac Development Association, and Edenderry Men's Shed, were recently visited by the judges of the IPB Pride Of Place Awards.

The three groups, representing the municipal districts of Tullamore, Birr and Edenderry are this year's Offaly nominees for the prestigious national awards which have been dubbed ‘the Oscars of the community sector’.

Championing the spirit of volunteerism, the awards promote, recognise and celebrate the best in community development.

The Pride of Place competition is held annually and receives entries nominated by local county councils from across Ireland, including Northern Ireland.

The winners are chosen after judges visit the site of each nominated group to get an understanding of the community impact it makes.

Earlier this month, on July 6 and 7, IPB Pride of Place judges Declan Nelson and Dorothy Clarke visited the three Offaly groups beginning with Clara Town Football Club at its home ground Stanley O’Hara Park.

Established in 1966, Clara Town is one of Offaly’s oldest soccer clubs. Nominated in the 'Community Youth Initiative' category, the club has, in the course of time managed to cultivate an impressive soccer set-up to cater to 350 playing members across three adult and 17 underage teams (U8s to U16s, boys and girls).

Currently, it has two full-sized playing pitches, a smaller one for children, and a floodlit full-sized astroturf all weather surface. The judges were given a tour of the facilities by club treasurer Kenneth Stones and then met with the committee and club members. They were also given a presentation by Kenneth outlining the club's history, ethos and future plans.

The judges' next stop was Kilcormac Development Association (KDA), which was nominated the 'Inclusive Communities' category. Founded in 1982, the non-profit organisation has been actively working towards creating a vibrant, thriving, and inclusive community for all.

IPB Pride of Place judges with the Kilcormac Development Association board and staff members, as well as some staff and elected members of Offaly County Council.

The judges were greeted by KDA chairperson John Leahy (also current Cathaoirleach of Birr Municipal District) and project manager Linda Kelly.

They were also introduced to volunteers and staff of Kilcormac Meals and Wheels, Kilcormac Community Gym, Active Age, and Kilcormac Tidy Towns, social enterprises supported by KDA. Also on showcase was a performance by members of Ann Callaghan's Irish Dancing Class, followed by by a presentation on KDA and a tour of the centre and its facilities.

The final visit by the judges was to Edenderry Men’s Shed, which is nominated in the 'Community Wellbeing Initiative' category. Since the group's inception in 2013, the 'Shedders' have become very popular in the community and provide many valuable services to locals such as furniture repairs and custom-built furniture and gardening equipment.

The group also produces and sells kindling from wood waste, and has provided services to other local community groups such as Edenderry Women’s Shed and Edenderry Community Garden Committee.

On their visit, the judges were greeted by Shed members, followed by a presentation by treasurer Charlie Talbot on the group’s activities and projects.