Longford Town Suburbs Project CLG wins at all island IPB Pride of Place Awards
Judges praise excellent example of community-led development in County Longford
Press Release: Friday, 6 November 2026
Longford Town Suburbs Project CLG was honoured to win the Community Wellbeing Initiative category IPB Pride of Place Awards 2026 which took place recently in Dublin.
Longford County Council was proud to nominate Longford Town Suburbs Project CLG for this prestigious award, acknowledging the organisation's dedication to community development and the lasting impact of its work on the social wellbeing of the wider Longford area.
The Longford project took home top honours on the night in the Community Wellbeing Initiative with Impact Network NI and Slieverue Community Group named as runners-up.
The awards, hosted by Joe Duffy took place in the Convention Centre in Dublin city centre with 400 community volunteers in attendance. This year marked the 24th year of the annual IPB Pride of Place Awards in association with Co-Operation Ireland which celebrate communities that work tirelessly to improve the quality of life in their areas and foster inclusion, participation and well-being for all.
The communities nominated through Pride of Place are shining examples of places that embrace and value everyone, irrespective of ability, age, background or place of birth.
Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Gerry Hagan said, “This award is a wonderful recognition of all the work carried out by the people who make the Albert Reynolds Peace Park such a beautiful and wonderful amenity. The reflects what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared purpose and are dedicated to maintaining and improving an attractive and accessible space for everyone.”
Chief Executive of Longford County Council, Samantha Healy said, “Longford County Council is proud to have nominated Longford Town Suburbs Project CLG for this award. Through their commitment and dedication, the Albert Reynolds Peace Park has become a valued public space that promotes inclusion, community engagement and wellbeing.”
Chair of the Longford Town Suburbs Project CLG Michael Nevin said, “We are absolutely delighted and honoured to receive this IPB Pride of Place Award. This recognition belongs to everyone who has contributed to the success of the Albert Reynolds Peace Park over the years, from our dedicated volunteers and committee members to our partners in Longford County Council and the wider community.”
Longford County Council would like to sincerely thank the judges, John Fitzgerald and Anna Marie Delaney, for taking the time to visit the Albert Reynolds Peace Park and meet with the committee of Longford Town Suburbs Project CLG. Their visit provided an opportunity to showcase the exceptional work being carried out by the organisation and the positive impact it continues to have within the community.
Longford County Council would also like to acknowledge and thank all those whose commitment and dedication contribute to the ongoing success of the project, including:
- The committee and volunteers of Longford Town Suburbs Project CLG
- Annmarie Campbell, CE Supervisor
- Joe Keenan, Assistant Supervisor
- Ciaran Murphy, Senior Executive Officer
- Cathaoirleach Longford County Council Cllr Gerry Hagan,
- Chief Executive Longford County Council Samantha Healy,
- Mary Goldsbury, Acting Director of Services, Longford County Council
- John Brannigan, Director of Services, Longford County Council
- Michael Nevin, Chairperson, Longford Town Suburbs Project CLG
Their collective efforts have created a welcoming, inclusive and vibrant community initiative that continues to enhance the wellbeing of residents and serves as an excellent example of community-led development in County Longford.
Longford County Council extends thanks everyone involved for their outstanding contribution to the community.
