Obair were delighted and honoured to be awarded with The IPB Pride of Place award in the Creative Community category last Friday at a ceremony in Limerick.

Press Release:

Obair beat off competition from across the island of Ireland to be named joint winner of the Creative Community category in recognition of its leadership in local development and promotion of social inclusion, education, and environmental sustainability.

Nominated by Clare County Council, the voluntary group was commended by competition judges for its efforts to date, which have included its flagship Meals on Wheels service that delivers hot meals to older and vulnerable people across a wide rural area. The organisation also operates a community crèche, shop, and the recreational and performance spaces at O’Regan Park, runs afterschool and youth programmes through the Tradaree Youth Project, and supports local green initiatives and adult learning in partnership with the local education and training board.

Speaking following the ceremony, Leas-Chathaoirleach of Clare County Council Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy, said, “Clare was well represented by four great communities at this year’s Pride of Place Awards, each of which showed the same community spirit and pride that has always made Clare stand out in this competition. This is a very proud day for the volunteer members of Obair and is testament to collective efforts of so many people over a number of years. I also want to pay tribute “

 Obair Newmarket-on-Fergus was represented at the awards ceremony by Orla Meehan and Eimear Murphy.

 Ms. Meehan said, “We are absolutely delighted to be recognised in Pride of Place. This award reflects the commitment of everyone at Obair to supporting our community, whether through Meals on Wheels, youth programmes, or initiatives that bring people together and create a welcoming space for all. It’s a celebration of the difference a dedicated group of volunteers can make every day, and it will certainly motivate us to keep going.”

Pride of Place Coordinator for Clare County Council Kathy Coleman, commented, “Judging day is always a proud moment for participating communities, affording them a valuable opportunity to showcase their work. It was heartening to see the Comhairle na nÓg members and the communities of Inagh, Feakle, and Newmarket-on-Fergus engaging so enthusiastically with the adjudicators.”

“We are already looking forward to hearing from communities who may be interested in representing the county in next year’s Pride of Place competition and following in the footsteps of this year’s four nominees,” she added. “In the meantime, Clare County Council looks forward to continuing its collaborative work with voluntary groups in making a real difference to the lives of people in their communities.”

Visit www.prideofplace.ie for more details on this year’s competition or see www.clarecoco.ie to find out more about getting your community involved in 2026 IPB Pride of Place.