Tipperary Comhairle na nÓg host All Island Pride of Place Judges
Tipperary Comhairle na nÓg played host recently to the judging panel for the prestigious ‘Pride of Place’ competition. The judges were Tom and Alison Dowling. Pride of Place, which is run by Co-Operation Ireland in conjunction with local authorities, is an all island competition which allows entrants to showcase the excellent work which is carried out by volunteers in making their area a better place to live. Entrants were judged on the Pride of Place competition on Thursday 25th June in conjunction with their ‘Lets Go Mental’ event. Tipperary Comhairle na nÓg were nominated by North Tipperary County Council to represent the county in the Youth in the Community Initiative.
John & Noel McGrath, Cait Devanny supported the members of Comhairle for this event
Firstly, the judges met with members of Comhairle na nÓg County who provided the judges with an excellent presentation based on the good work of Tipperary Comhairle na nÓg over the years and the highlights of this included the work of young people on youth mental health, the merger of the two Comhairle in 2013 and much more.
Tipperary Comhairle was the first County to run this event as it was only launched on last Wednesday in Dublin by Minister Reilly who said: “I am delighted to launch and support Let’s Go Mental and am particularly impressed that its focus is on positivity and on giving young people the tools to use in their everyday lives to manage their own mental health. Let’s Go Mental is a series of 31 regional events to promote positive mental health through music, sport, the arts and other fun activities.
Seamus Hanafin, Aoife, Alannah & Rebeeca Comhairle members and Cait Devanny
Back in Tipp the judges went on to visit the ‘Lets Go Mental’ event in the Presentation Secondary sports hall, which was an event organised by Tipperary Comhairle na nÓg which promoted positive youth mental health with 5 a day for your mental health. The ‘Lets Go Mental’ was officially opened by Cathaoirleach Seamus Hanafin and Nicole Patten and Rebecca Lusk of Tipperary Comhairle na nÓg. The event include – Music, Drama, ThiChi workshops, Creative Art, having your say on a graffiti wall, taking your photo etc as part of fun ways to keep positive, Also present to support Comhairle in their ‘Lets Go mental event’ and Pride of Place judging were Mattie McGrath TD, Archbishop Kieran O Reilly, Clir. Mary Hanna Hourigan, Noel & John McGrath – Tipperary Hurlers, Cait Devanney – Captain of Tipperary Camogie.
members Eimear and Roberto enjoying lets go mental
Commenting on the visit by the judges, Deirdre Cox, Pride of Place liaison officer for Tipperary County Council stated that “Pride of Place recognises the work carried out in communities all over Ireland. Tipperary Comhairle na nÓg have demonstrated what can be achieved when young people work together for the good of the whole community. The group is to be commended for all the hard work in preparing for the competition and presenting their projects on judging day.
The judges were very impressed with the standard of work being carried out by the Comhairle. Tipperary Comhairle na nÓg pulled out all the stops to showcase their organisation and the positive effect it has had on youth affairs in County Tipperary. “ I would like to commend Tipperary CNN on an excellent presentation and a wonderful event today. You should be justifiably proud of your achievements through CNN and the positive contribution to the community of Tipperary. I would like to complement Tipperary County Council for nominating this worthy group” . Tom Dowling.
Deirdre Cox – Tipp coco, judges Ailson & Tom Dowling of Pride of Place and Mairin McGrath –Chair Tipp Comhairle na nog
The winners of the competition will be announced at a Gala Ceremony in Ennis, Co. Clare in November when it is hoped that Tipperary Comhairle na nÓg will come out on top for the Premier County. In the mean time the judges will continue traveling all over Ireland to assess other organisations and communities
“Life skills, friendships and valued young people working together for positive change is how I would see Comhairle na nÓg, set up under the UNCRC principals of giving young people a voice Comhairle is that but so much more, it gives them a chance to learn the skills to make the changes in society for their peers, but it also gives them so many personal skills, from their active participation that they know is about them, they gain confidence and skills to deal with adult decision makers and their peers alike, they form friendships which enables them to do the work in a fun and positive environment but also allows them to grow and develop within the work and find new opportunities. I have seen the impact their work has had in Tipperary and in particular their work to combat the stigma of mental health within the community while working to educate young people on mental health and rally support with decision makers has been huge. It has been a privilege to be their worker and travel this path with them”. Pauline Strappe – Tipperary Comhairle na nog CoOrdinator
