Carlow Pride of Place 2006
The Cathaoirligh
and Members
of the
Carlow Local Authorities
Have pleasure in inviting
You and Your Committee
to
the Awards Ceremony of
Carlow's Pride of
Place
2006
and Launch of 2006/2007
litter Action League
in the Lord Bagenal Inn
on Tuesday 7th November at 7.30
and here we are............
John Smyth - Michael Martin
- Michael Dawson
Máire George - Breda McDonald - with Jim Townsend : Leas Cathaoirleach
having received two awards
Community Development - 1st Prize
Floral Pride - 3rd Prize
Congratulations to all in
the village that supported these endevours.
They are not won lightly so ten out of ten to everyone.
Co -operation Ireland Pride of Place 2006
Awards
(posted 15/10/06)
Last night the dinner and award ceremony was held in Mount Wolseley Hilton to a packed guest list of about 400 people. Those not invited could see what was going on in the bar watching live coverage on screens. Unfortunately, Ballon/Rathoe didn't pick up a mention but it was a fun night and good craic.
The only picture that materialised with all eyes open is this one.
So its goodbye from them and goodbye from me.
Cathaoirleach's
Reception
(posted 3/10/06)
On
the 2nd october a reception was held in the Council Chambers to acknowledge
the
participation of Ballon/Rathoe, Borris & Leighlinbridge Parish Centre.
This was well represented by all groups who were entertained with a
thumbnail video
of the events on the day of judging.
The Cathaoirleach presented each Group with a commemorative certificate
and Michael Dawson accepted it on behalf of Ballon/Rathoe....
...and some of the villagers
This was followed by light refreshments and an opportunity
for a chat in the council canteen.
Full marks to the council for initiating this event and
full marks to all who responded so well.
Award
Ceremony
(posted 26th September, 2006)
This is to be held in Mount Wolseley on Saturday 14th October.
Space is limited and only one person can attend from Ballon and one from Rathoe.
If you contributed
to the event and wish to attend on behalf of your village
then please leave your name with:
For Ballon: Eileen Murphy at the Computer Centre Tel: 9159447
For Rathoe: Anne Connors at the Post Office Tel: 9148647
The deadline is Friday 6th October.
The names will be
given to Kathryn Wall of the Community & Enterprise
who will hold a draw for the two places.
Please pass the word around.
Also,
don't forget
The Cathaoirleach's Reception on the 2nd October at 7.30pm
at
The Council Chambers
Athy
Road
Carlow
Co-operation Ireland Pride of Place Competition
Ballon & Rathoe have been jointly nominated to represent the county in Category 1
The first meeting
for this competition was held in Ballon Community Centre on the 25th
January
and hosted by Carlow County Council.
This is an All Island Competition directed towards recognizing improvements
by local communities to create civic pride in their area and will acknowledge
the participation of all
groups, clubs & associations.
Our mentors are Kathyrn Wall & John McDarby whose enthusiasm & experience are a real asset.
Judgment Day 7th July 2006
A
very special thanks to Community & Enterprise Dept. of C.C.C. for
their support, guidance
and hard work leading up to this day.
A very special thanks to all the peoples of Ballon & Rathoe for the tremendous work, imagination, enthusiasm, skills and good humour leading up to and during the big day.
A special thanks to the judges for taking their time to view and hear all.
Whatever the result we have already won - we are proud of our place - it shows.
These are the links to pictures taken.
On behalf of Ballon
Improvement Group, Michael Martin (Chairman),
presented John McDarby & Kathryn wall with a
basket of locally produced jams and juices.
11th July 2006
12th July ...........their response
Hi Michael and all at B.I.G.
Thanks for the e-mail and pics and especially thanks for the basket of goodies from Ballon. I think I'm developing an addiction to Redcurrant Tonic from Malones.
From all the reports about The Forge - I must get there for a meal soon.
I have to tell you all that I enjoyed every second I spent in Ballon and Rathoe over the last few months. Everybody took on the tasks of presenting the parish for Pride of Place so enthusiastically.
The parish looked so well in every way on judging day. The Power Point, the judges pack, the drive and the tour through both community centres and villages went like magic.
All the thanks is due to all of yourselves - the men, women, and children of Ballon and Rathoe - you all rose fantastically well to the occasion and showed to both visitors and yourselves the wonderful place in which you all live - Kathryn and I were very privileged to be in the wings. It was YOUR show and you presented it wonderfully well - so well that I couldn't see any way to better it.
It's a pity we have to wait until October for Pride of Place results in the Mount Wolseley Hilton BUT we all know that Ballon and Rathoe performed so well that the people in the parish have already won more than any prize could possibly give them - there is such pride in the history, literature, business, sport and community, past, present and future of Ballon.
I was delighted, privileged and so grateful to be a part of all your great work. Thank you all for everything - as I said before I enjoyed every second AND you haven't seen the last of me. Thanks a million again.
John
...........
Hi Michael,
Just a short note to thank you and your friends in both Ballon and Rathoe
for the lovely presentation yesterday. It was both unexpected and much
appreciated.
Ballon and Rathoe both rose to the challenge of Pride of Place, and
there is no doubt in my mind that the judges saw the pride that you
community have on Friday!
I will be in contact with you shortly to organise a celebration for
all involved in Pride of Place,
Kathryn
.........
and from the Director 17th July, 2006
To
all the Community of Ballon and Rathoe
Re: Co-Operation Ireland Pride of Place 2006 - Ballon/Rathoe
Finally getting round to saying thank you so much. on a personal note
and on behalf of
the members, management and staff of Carlow County Council, for all
your help and work with
the local community in preparing for Co-operation Ireland Pride of Place
2006. There was a
tremendous feel good factor everywhere the judges visited in BallonRathoe
on the 7th. A lot of
hard work for all concerned, however, it was a great opportunity for
both the local community
and Carlow County Council to highlight the civic pride and community
and voluntary effort
which is so evident in the area.
What was particularly good about the initiative was the fact that it
brought many people
and groups together in a united front. Kathryn Wall and John McDarby
thoroughly enjoyed the
experience and have gained a great insight and a wealth of knowledge
into the strong community
spirit present in the area. All in Community & Enterprise felt very
proud to be associated with
the opportunity to showcase Ballon/Rathoe and I know the judges were
extremely impressed with
the effort put in by all.
It would be nice to achieve national recognition in October, however,
irrelevant of awards
Ballon/Rathoe are definitely winners. Don't forget the area is also
entered in the Council's local
initiative.
Carlow's Pride of Place and will take place in August and awards later
in the current year.I would greatly appreciate
if you could please extend my sincere thanks to the many groups who
participated and all who helped in the preparations.
Again sincere thanks and kind regards.
Bernie O'Brien
Director of Community & Enterprise