Local pride and work recognised at awards

THE voluntary and community efforts of individuals and groups were recognised as Kildare County Council hosted the thirty-first annual Pride in Your Place Awards 2026 at the Osprey Hotel, Naas, last week.

The event celebrates the outstanding achievements of community groups, residents’ associations and young people across local authority and Approved Housing Body estates throughout Kildare.

The awards acknowledge the voluntary efforts made to maintain and enhance public open spaces, and more importantly, the sense of pride and community engagement that grows from that work. They recognise the people who give up their time to improve their local area, whether through planting flowers, organising clean-ups, or bringing neighbours together, to make a positive difference in their estates and communities.

Over the past number of years, the Pride in Your Place Awards have expanded to reflect the diverse and dynamic work happening across the county. From Age Friendly projects to Community Development initiatives and Climate Action efforts, the categories now better represent the broad scope of community-led activity in Kildare.

Over thirty estates took part again this year, reflecting the continued commitment of communities to enhancing their local areas.

Sonya Kavanagh, chief executive and cathaoirleach of Kildare County Council, cllr Tim Durkan and Marian Higgins, director of services, Kildare County Council, joined with elected representatives across the county to express their appreciation to all participants for their commitment to making Kildare a better place to live.

Highlights included the Youth Participation Award. The award celebrated seven remarkable young people for their dedication and leadership within their communities. It recognises young leaders who inspire and support their neighbours, and who go the extra mile to be helpful, kind, and inclusive.

The recipients were Abi Nolan-Brereton, Ballyroe; Alyssa Reeves, Prosperous; Luke Finneran, Ardclough; Madison Casey, Derrinturn; Madison Hope, Newbridge; Nathan Lawless, Athy; James (Jimmy) Curtis, Naas.

Community Group of the Year was awarded to the Naas Arch Club which is a volunteer-led social club for adults with additional needs.

Youth Group of the year was Room 26 at St Farnan’s Secondary School, Prosperous. Room 26 is a Moderate Learning Class, supporting students with a wide range of additional needs. Through close collaboration with Anne Street Community House, Students took part in meaningful community-based activities that help build confidence, independence, communication and life skills.

The Best Kept Garden Award recognises those who take pride in their outdoor spaces - creating beautiful, welcoming environments that lift the spirits of passers-by and enhance the look and feel of their estate.

Sandra Duffy, Dunmurray Rise, Kildare Town was the winer while Eddie Gaskin, Liffey Heights, Ballymore Eustace was runner-up.

The Best Pollinator Friendly Garden Award was awarded to Raymond and Patricia Troy, Avondale, Leixlip.

Liffey Heights won the Estate Entrance Award with its inventive sculptures made from towels and the no-chew moo cows.

St Brigid's Terrace, Sallins was named runner-up.

Overall Estate Awards 2026:

Category 1 – Small Estates (1-40 Houses) · Winner – Wheatfield, Ardclough;

· Second place - Chorra Choill, Prosperous · Third place - Millview, Milltown Category 2 - Medium Estates (41–80 Houses):

· Winner – Saint Patricks Park, Kill.

· Second place - Ashgrove, Derrinturn.

· Third place – Saint Brigids Terrace, Sallins.

Category 3 - Large Estates (80+ Houses):

· Winner – Avondale, Leixlip · Joint Second place - Liffey Heights, Ballymore Eustace & Bishopsland, Kildare Town.

· Joint Third place – Loughnamona Leixlip & Anne Street, Prosperous Community Development Project Awards 2026 Age Friendly Project Winner: Anne Street, Prosperous Climate Action Project Winner: Ashgrove, Derrinturn Integration Category Winner: Loughnamona, Leixlip Community Development Project without Community Centre 2026 Winner: Dunmurray Rise, Kildare Town.

Community Development Project with Community Centre 2026 Winner: Ballyroe, Athy.

Second place: Rosconnell, Newbridge.

Third place: Loughnamona, Leixlip Community Endeavour Award 2026 Winner: River View, Naas Special Recognition Award 2026 Winners: Goretti Terrace, Prosperous and Saint Patrick’s Park, Celbridge Ends