Kildare Pride of Place award winners announced

Kildare County Council hosted the 30th annual Pride in Your Place Awards 2025 at the Osprey Hotel in Naas last week (Tuesday 22 October), with the overall winner being the Bishopsland estate in Kildare town being crowned the top award in the large estate category.

This milestone event celebrates the outstanding achievements of community groups, resident’s associations and young people across Local Authority and Approved Housing Body estates in Kildare with over 30 estates participating.

The Youth Participation award, now in its 22nd year, celebrated 10 remarkable young people for their dedication and leadership within their communities.

The Awards recognised young leaders who inspire and support their neighbours, and who go the extra mile to be helpful, kind, and inclusive.

Abbey Binch from Wheatfield in Coill Dubh is a young lady who takes care of all the young children in the estate, and looks after our older generation getting their groceries from the local shop.

Gareth Joyce Cribben, Loughnamona in Leixlip supports the elderly living in in the estate by doing manual chores such as carrying in shopping, gardening, and helping out around the house.

He also spends time in conversation with the older members of Loughnamona which is greatly appreciated as it can prevent isolation and loneliness.

Michael Martin, Ashgrove, Derrinturn has participated with the group since birth at every meeting, every event that the committee has held.

A good young man who always helps out and is always willing to take part in any event.

Ryan Nolan Brerton, Ballyroe, Athy has been an integral part of re-establishing the Ballyroe Resident's Association.

He has taken on the role of treasurer and has helped organise and facilitate the community activities so far this year.

When the community cabin was put in earlier this year, Ryan helped clean and do up the cabin - putting a lot of work and effort into this.

Rhys Connolly, from Anne Street in Newbridge is a very active member of the community, and will always help when he can even before you ask.

Rhys is an incredibly resilient person who chose to do his work experience with us from school, and he will be greatly missed on Thursdays.

He attends many events and training courses with us. He will be heading to college this year to study pre paramedics.

Zara Hoey of Saint Evin’s Park in Monasterevin is a young person gives selflessly, and turns up to help at any event in the community.

She does face painting for kids, and has volunteered in Monasterevin, Kildare Town, and Newbridge at fun days, Easter and Summer and Halloween camps.

She goes to visit the children in the Hazel and does art camps all for free and of her own time. She has done all this for the past three years or longer and asks for nothing in return.

Molly Hogan, nominated by Dunmurray Rise, Kildare has been described as “a consistent Trojan”.

Even with losing her home with a devastating fire earlier this year, she still comes and gives a much needed helping hand.

She engages well with everyone in our estate, and always puts others first, with a warm welcoming smile and positive energy.

Twins Charlie and Jamie McLoughlin, from Liffey Heights in Ballymore Eustace help around the estate with weeding and grass cutting.

“They are always on hand to help their dad, and t is great to see such interest from the next generation. They inspire others in the area,” said a Ballymore spokesperson.

Ella May Smith, Oakwood in Derrinturn is a polite young lady and always helpful to her peers and community. She can be seen participating in both organised and impromptu activities around the estate like picking litter and pulling weeds.

The Community Group of the Year Award went to Athy Sing and Sign for its work promoting Irish Sign Language and for fostering leadership, self-confidence, and personal growth within the community.

The ‘Best Kept Garden & Best Pollinator Friendly Garden Awards went to John and Jennifer Corrigan (Loughnamona, Leixlip), Joe and Nelly Egan (St Patricks, Kill), and Raymond and Patricia Troy (Avondale, Leixlip).

A total of 22 small, medium and large estates in the various other categories.

Overall Estate Awards:

Category 1 Small Estates (1-40 Houses) 3rd Place – Wheatfield, Ardclough 2nd Place – Millview, Milltown Winner: Corra Choill, Propserous Category 2 Medium estates (41-80 Houses) 3rd Place - Ashgrove, Derrinturn 2nd Place - Sarto Park Naas Winner: St Patricks, Kill Category 3 Large Estates (80+ Houses) 3rd Place - Liffey Heights, Ballymore Eustace 2nd Place - Anne Street Winner: Bishopsland, Kildare Town Community Development project awards Age Friendly Project 3rd Place - Loughnamona, Leixlip 2nd Place - Bishopsland Winner: Anne Street, Prosperous Climate Action Project 3rd Place -Ballyroe Athy 2nd Place -Dunmurray Winner: Ashgrove, Derrinturn Integration category 2nd Place - Avondale Winner: Saint Patricks Park Celbridge Community Development Project without community Centre 2nd Place - Oakwood Winner: Dunmurray Community Development Project with community Centre 3rd Place - Ashgrove, Derrinturn 2nd Place - Anne Street, Prosperous Winner: Loughnamona, Leixlip Special Recognition Awards Honouring creativity, compassion, and community spirit, winners include Rosconnell Community Garden, Ballyroe (Best New Entry), Liffey Heights Ballymore Eustace (Best Estate Entrance), and Corra Coill (Innovation Award for their Bin Buddy initiative).