St Patrick’s Cathedral nominated for IPB Pride of Place 2020

The Community Team at St Patrick’s Cathedral were nominated for this year’s IPB Pride of Place Awards – an all-island competition that acknowledges the work of communities all over the country.   

The competition is focused on people coming together to shape and enjoy the qualities of their area. It recognises improvements made by communities to create pride in their locality. 

“The competition is about showing respect and inclusion for every sector in our communities: young, old, rich and poor. It is about creating communities to which the people are proud to say they belong,” says Tom Dowling, founder of the Pride of Place Initiative and former Meath County Council Manager.  

St Patrick’s Cathedral is central to the network of spectacular social and community programmes that improve the social attainment and quality of life in Dublin 8.  

The community team is responsible for the success of the annual LoveD8 event, encouraging the residents of the Liberties to appreciate the local businesses and schools in the community.  

Together, with a range of local partners including An Garda Síochána at Kevin Street, The Iveagh Trust, as well as local community groups and businesses, they presented their entry to the judges through Zoom in August.  

This included the community work that happens in the area. “Events, celebrations, hard graft, collegial atmosphere, shared goals, focus, possibilities and above all, hopes for the future, are what we are all about,” says Kelley Bermingham, Community Consultant of the Iveagh Trust.  

In the midst of a global pandemic, the reminder of the importance of togetherness and perseverance is especially welcome.  

Bermingham adds, “the heartbreak of closures, job losses, collective grief and limitations on what people wish to be able to do is something we are facing together and there is nothing like the Dublin 8 community when the chips are down.” 

The Pride of Place nomination has undoubtedly had a positive impact on the local spirit of The Liberties. 

IPB Insurance is returning as the headline sponsor of the IPB Pride of Place awards in association with Co-operation Ireland and Local Authorities, North and South.   

The Awards Ceremony are set to be held on the 21^st November 2020.