Pride Of Place Judges Welcomed By NMD Council

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Newry Mourne and Down District Council Welcomes Judges In The All Ireland Pride Of Place Awards

Judges from the prestigious IBP Pride of Place awards were in the district this week to visit Cuan Mhuire in Newry and the Rural Health Partnership in Cullyhanna, the two nominations made by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council for the 2024 awards.

The IPB Pride of Place Awards, in association with Co-operation Ireland, are an all-island competition that sets out to acknowledge the hard work of local communities.

Cuan Mhuire was nominated by Newry District Electoral Area Forum in the Cities Category as the exemplary project under the Community Wellbeing Initiative.

Cuan Mhuire is well known in Ireland as the largest voluntary provider of Addiction Treatment Services and Residential Rehabilitation.

Its main objective is the rehabilitation of persons suffering from alcohol, drug and gambling addictions.

Pride of Place Judges Declan Nelson and John Fitzgerald arrive at Cuan Mhuire who are in the City Category, Health and Well Being Initiative, in Pride of Place. (l-r) Pat McGinn, Martina Magee, Gerry McIlroy, Orla McGovern Cuan Mhuire, judge Declan Nelson, Fiona, Chairperson Newry, Mourne and Down, Councillor Pete Byrne, Joe Diver, judge John Fitzgerald, Councillors Aidan Mathers, Valerie Harte, Carolann McGrath Cuan Mhuire and Mary McMahon St. Pauls.

Cuan Mhuire is celebrating 40 years in Newry in 2024 and the judges were impressed when they visited the purpose built facility in Newry.

In a packed visit, the judges continued their trip to the district by meeting with members of Rural Health Partnership in Cullyhanna.

The Rural Health Partnership was nominated by Slieve Gullion District Electoral Area Forum under the Community Wellbeing Initiative theme for projects outside of a City.

Formally established in March 2000 the purpose of the Rural Health Partnership (RHP) is to promote the health and recovery of people experiencing mental health problems and distress, within the South Armagh area.

The RHP support services benefit individuals and families and the wider community in the South Armagh area who are impacted by symptoms of mental ill health.

Una Walsh Heritage Officer Rural Health Partnership gave a talk on the various activities organised in and out in local primary schools to Pride of Place Judges on their visit to The Cardinal Ó Fiaich Centre. (l-r) Majella Gollogly Project Development Officer, Councillor Declan Murphy, Pride of Place Judge John Fitzgerald, Chairperson Newry, Mourne and Down Councillor Pete Byrne, Pride of Place Judge Declan Nelson, Una Walsh Heritage Officer and Teresa Nugent CEO Rural Health Partnership.

The RHP aims to reduce the stigma associated with mental health, combat any negative connotations associated with the illness and promote positive mental health and wellbeing.

Newry Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne said: “Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is proud to have selected Cuan Mhuire and Rural Health Partnership.

“Both make a significant impact to the residents within our district and wider.

“I am overwhelmed by the commitment of the staff and volunteers within both organisations to go above and beyond to have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of our citizens.

“I was delighted to introduce the judges to both projects and showcase the strong community involvement and community action projects our District are so proud of.

“And I wish both nominees the best of luck for the awards ceremony in Monaghan in November.”

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