Category Two – Population Category 300 – 1000
Winner: Craanford, Co Wexford

Summary:

Set in picturesque rural North Wexford, Craanford village lies between Carnew in Co Wicklow and the vibrant town of Gorey in Co Wexford. The delightful aqua park leads into a quaint village steeped in ancient history dating back to 1798. Local committees work together to make Craanford an attractive destination in which to live and visit. Craanford is a very positive, forward looking and innovative community. Volunteerism is strong and vibrant and there are wonderful amenities for all. If the old saying “It takes a village to rear a child” is true then the community is in a very privileged position in Craanford. Their motto is “One thing leads to another; everything is connected” which is reflected in all aspects of local community life, from education to lifestyle. Craanford works continuously with local businesses, Council and voluntary groups to create a vibrant proactive community that places a strong emphasis on improving the lives of all the people.

Community Contact: Michael Sweeney, [email protected]

Citation:

It was not just the many and varied initiatives and projects – and there were many – successfully undertaken by this go-ahead community that impressed the judges but also an underlying and all-embracing community spirit. It almost goes without saying that volunteers carry out much of the vital project work. On the day of the judges’ visit the whole village turned out in support of the competition. An 18th Century Corn Mill has been lovingly restored and a wonderful sports complex completed, but the flagship project was undoubtedly the building of an underpass giving children safe passage to their local school.

Runners Up: Ballinahown, Co Westmeath, and Scotshouse, Co Monaghan.