Winner: Castlemartyr, Co Cork

Summary

Castlemartyr,-Co-CorkCastlemartyr is a picturesque heritage village in East Cork, nestled by the Kiltha River amid woodland-dominated surrounds. Origins can be traced back to its Geraldine Castle and monastic settlement at Ballyoughtera, a millenium ago. In the late 1990’s, some motivated locals initiated the Community Council, which has since evolved into a dynamic group of enthusiastic members, with nine distinct active sub-committees, all with projects at hand, ranging from establishing a website, developing woodland walks and river, to catering for the elderly with functions and holiday breaks. Past achievements of the Council include completion of a wheelchair accessible landscaped riverbank area, numerous environmental enhancements along access roads, and staging of historical and cultural events. Proud of the heritage the community shares, proud of everything it enjoys today, the Council strives to continue improving all aspects of this wonderful community for all who reside here and all who visit.

Citation

The category winner was in respect of a town with a strong sense of community. The whole population it seemed was aware of “judgement day” as the posters proclaimed it. There are numerous initiatives and projects by the community council, but with an obvious “buy in” from the wider community from a flooding relief project to the building of a new organ in the local church. The flagship initiative, however, is the undoubted and sustaining synergy between the local hotel resort and the town.

Runners up:
– Carlingford, Co Louth
– Manorhamilton, Co Leitrim