Graiguenamanagh Community Group was honoured at the all-Ireland Pride of Place community awards hosted on Saturday 24th October 2026 at the Dublin Convention Centre. Kilkenny County Council nominated four groups to represent County Kilkenny for the IPB Pride of Place Awards. The four community groups nominated were from Graiguenamanagh, Slieverue, Muckalee and the Kilkenny Older Peoples Council.
The Graiguenamanagh Town Team entry won the Population Category (1000-2000). The judges praised the ethos of the Graiguenamanagh Town Team and said that; “Graiguenamanagh established a Town Team in 2024, which has played an important role in bringing the community together, working to enhance the town’s appearance, promote its rich heritage while creating a welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike. This win is recognition of their dedication to their community and the pride they have in their town.”
Kilkenny County Council has worked closely with the Graiguenamanagh community to support a range of projects that have enhanced the town’s amenities, heritage, tourism, and sporting facilities. Key initiatives include the 400-metre Silaire Wood Boardwalk along the River Barrow, the development of a heritage trail and visitor information resources, and funding support for improvements at the local GAA club and rowing club. The community has also transformed a riverside site into the Barrow Valley Activities Hub and Motorhome Aire, a significant outdoor recreation and tourism hub, providing motorhome and camping facilities, while creating a valuable space for community events and visitors alike.
Slieverue Community received a runner-up award in the Community Wellbeing category at the Pride of Place Awards, with judges praising its strong community spirit and dedicated volunteers.
Muckalee Community Group was nominated in the Inclusive Communities category, highlighting its community facilities, local school, GAA club and community café, which promotes social interaction and inclusion.
Kilkenny Older People’s Council was nominated in the Age Friendly Community category, showcasing initiatives including MacDonagh Train Station’s Age Friendly Status.
Hosted by Joe Duffy at Dublin Convention Centre, the awards attracted 500 volunteers. Sponsored by IPB Insurance, the competition recognises outstanding community development and volunteer contributions across Ireland.
Paying tribute to the Kilkenny communities who were honoured on the evening, Cathaoirleach Joe Malone said “I congratulate Graiguenamanagh, a fantastic and well-deserved win. It is a great tribute to their hard work and dedication to their town and I hope they enjoy the celebrations. I must also acknowledge our runners up from Slieverue, another fantastic achievement for the village in the community wellbeing category. I want to also congratulate Muckalee and the Kilkenny Older Persons Council, it is a great honour to be nominated, all the groups are winners here tonight.”
Lar Power, Chief Executive of Kilkenny County Council commented “Winning a national IPB Pride of Place Award is a tremendous achievement for Graiguenamanagh and a fitting recognition of the dedication, community spirit and hard work of the Town Team members and the many volunteers. I would also like to congratulate Slieverue on its achievement as runner up, and to acknowledge Muckalee and the Kilkenny Older Persons Council for the outstanding work they do in their communities.”
Anne Marie Shortall, Senior Executive Officer in the Community Department of Kilkenny County Council, added “It is a tremendous achievement to be nominated for Pride of Place competition. All the groups that were nominated to represent their communities have achieved so much and should be very proud. I would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of all the communities and volunteers and the work they continue to do throughout County Kilkenny.”
