Council hosts night of celebration and thanks for Pride of Place communities across Carlow
Members of Tullow Tidy Towns were presented with a certificate of recognition by cathaoirleach Tommy Kinsella during a Pride of Place evening in the Carlow Town Hall Photo: © Michael O'Rourke Photography 2026
CARLOW town hall was a place of sheer joy last week when the local council hosted an event to say thank you to the communities of Tullow and Ballymurphy for taking part in this year’s Pride of Place competition.
The IPB Co-operation Ireland Pride of Place 2026 adjudicators Colette Byrne and Brendan McGrath visited both Tullow and Ballymurphy during the summer when the residents put on impressive displays of what community spirit looks like. Representing the very best of community spirit, innovation and collaboration, Tullow and Ballymurphy showcased an impressive range of projects, initiatives and achievements that highlight their commitment to creating vibrant, inclusive and sustainable places to live, work and visit.
During the adjudication visit, the judges met with local residents, volunteers, community organisations, businesses, schools and sporting groups. These stakeholders shared their stories and demonstrated the collective efforts that continue to strengthen and enrich community life there.
The council staff were immensely proud of the programmes presented by both communities after months of preparation, dedication and hard work, culminating in a highly successful showcase of local achievement and community pride.
Their commitment and effort were formally recognised on Thursday 8 October when all those involved in the Pride of Place process gathered at Carlow Town Hall for a special reception hosted by the council. The event provided an opportunity to celebrate the tremendous contribution of community groups, volunteers and local organisations in preparing for the July adjudication visit.
Cathaoirleach of the council, cllr Thomas Kinsella, formally acknowledged and thanked Carlow's entrants for their outstanding efforts and dedication. Both Tullow and Ballymurphy were presented with certificates in recognition of their participation and achievement.
Speaking at the reception, administration officer of the community section at the council, Margaret Moore, said: "It was wonderful to meet once again the many friends we made throughout our engagement with the communities of Tullow and Ballymurphy. The enthusiasm, commitment and community spirit demonstrated by both areas, together with the warm welcome and exceptional co-operation from local residents, organisations and agencies, made a lasting impression on the members, management and staff of Carlow Co Council."
The communities now have only a few weeks to wait before the National Pride of Place awards ceremony, which will take place at the Convention Centre in Dublin on Saturday 24 October.
The members, management and staff of Carlow Co Council extend their best wishes to both communities and wish them every success at the national awards.
