Pride of Place

Pride of Place is an all-island initiative organised by Co-Operation Ireland in partnership with

IPB Insurance which celebrates the achievements of communities that demonstrate outstanding civic pride, inclusivity, and partnership with local authorities. This year, Louth County Council nominated Boyne Valley Camino in the Community Tourism Initiative category and Dromiskin in the Population 1,000–2,000 category. We, in Dromiskin, were delighted to be given the opportunity to highlight the spirit and innovation thriving throughout our vibrant community.

Members of various local organisations along with Louth County Council welcomed Pride of

Place judges Katrina Murphy and Tom Dowling on Wednesday, 9th July 2025. Our esteemed

visitors were led in to Dromiskin National School by piper Mark Toner, where a large crowd had gathered in the school hall. In an engaging presentation, Dromiskin Tidy Towns Secretary, Liam Reilly, showcased the impactful work being carried out throughout the community. This was followed by an insightful Q&A session with the judges, offering a deeper understanding of the initiatives’ contributions to community life. After light refreshments, our guests were taken on a whistle stop tour of the village. This included visits to the newly refurbished Biblical Garden, the Horse and Dog sculpture at Applegreen and an informative stop at the Dog Rescue Centre. Onwards then to the St Josephs GAA complex taking in the Community Centre, playing pitches, Sli na Slainte and including an athletics display from local St. Peter’s AC athletes. Award winning Church View was next on the list, followed by a visit to the historic graveyard where the judges were entertained by talented harpist, Jamie Martin. The Credit Union garden and the AOH hall were resplendent in the afternoon sunshine and Tom and Katrina were suitably impressed by the display in the local post office of trophies and medals garnered by the village over the years. The Heritage Park was next on the list and Noreen Mc Manus’s young fiddlers charmed all and sundry with their tuneful jigs and reels. The recently opened Sli na Manach Greenway led the adjudicators to the superbly appointed Ginnety’s Pond and a gentle stroll revealed the Foroige mural, SeamusMcArdle’s swan and a welcoming committee of friendly mallard ducks!! The judges then planted a commemorative tree to mark the occasion.

This brought a packed afternoon to a close and fond farewells were bid to our visitors from

Co-Operation Ireland. David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council and Paula

Gribben, Administrative Officer, were fulsome in their praise of all concerned in how they had

represented their place, Dromiskin, and their county, Louth. Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of

Louth County Council, said: “Dromiskin is a shining example of what makes County Louth so

special. From preserving local heritage to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for

all, Dromiskin has set a standard we can all be proud of”.

Thank you to all in the community for making this occasion possible and showing that, indeed,

we in Dromiskin, are Proud of Our Place.

The winners of the 2025 Pride of Place competition will be announced at a gala awards

ceremony on 7th November at the Limerick Strand Hotel.