Both Kinvara and Williamstown were named as runners-up at the IPB Pride of Place awards which took place on 2 November.
The 22nd annual Awards Ceremony held in Monaghan’s Hillgrove Hotel saw a continued record of success for County Galway.
Having been nominated for the prize, Williamstown and Kinvara were visited by the organisations judges in early September this year.
Williamstown was nominated by Galway County Council in the 0-300 population category.
Williamstown was recognised for its continued development and restoration of Williamstown Mill and Millers Cottage as well as their development of a 3.3km walkway on the Bog Road.
They were also praised for their creation of walkways for safer foot traffic linking the Primary school to the GAA grounds and their continued environmental initiatives and focus on childcare and active retirement activities.
Kinvara was competing in the Climate Action and Biodiversity category, and was praised by the adjudicators notably for its Biodiversity Action Plan.
The plan has so far led to more than 9000 native trees being planted in the locality by families.
Cllr Ollie Turner, Leas Cathaoirleach of Galway City Council said, “In their decision to name Kinvara as a runner-up, the Pride of Place judges noted how a small rural community can lead the way promoting and delivering on climate action and biodiversity.
Meanwhile, Williamstown was praised for the community’s efforts in developing a hugely valued local amenity and for truly embodying the spirit of pride and place.”
The ceremony was organised by ‘Co-operation’ a peacebuilding charity and was sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Pride of Place awards showcase and celebrate exceptional community development around Ireland.
To find out more see: www.prideofplace.ie.