31st Pride In Your Place Awards Take Place In Naas

The event celebrates achievements of community groups, residents’ associations and young people

The 31st annual Pride in Your Place Awards was hosted at the Osprey Hotel in Naas on (16 September).

The event celebrates the outstanding achievements of community groups, residents’ associations and young people across Local Authority and Approved Housing Body estates throughout County Kildare. 

The awards acknowledge the voluntary efforts made to maintain and enhance public open spaces, and more importantly, the sense of pride and community engagement that grows from that work.

From Age Friendly projects to Community Development initiatives and Climate Action efforts, the categories now represent the broad scope of community-led activity in Kildare.

Over thirty estates took part again this year, reflecting the continued commitment of communities to enhancing their local areas

The full list of winners and contestants on the night are listed below:

Youth Participation Award:

The Youth Participation award, now in its twenty-third year, celebrated seven remarkable young people for their dedication and leadership within their communities. It recognises young leaders who inspire and support their neighbours, and who go the extra mile to be helpful, kind, and inclusive.

• Abi Nolan-Brereton, Ballyroe - Abi is a dedicated young community volunteer who regularly cuts grass for her estate and helps elderly neighbours maintain their gardens. Always first to get involved, she plays an active role in clean-ups, community events, and local improvement projects.

• Alyssa Reeves, Prosperous - Alyssa is a caring and community-minded young person who volunteers at age-friendly lunches, supports elderly neighbours, and helps at local events. Her kindness, generosity, and positive attitude make a real difference to those around her.

• Luke Finneran, Ardclough - Luke is a kind and thoughtful young person who is always willing to help neighbours with everyday tasks such as carrying groceries, gardening, and watering flowers. His friendly nature makes him a valued member of the community.

• Madison Casey, Derrinturn – Madison is an enthusiastic volunteer who actively supports local clubs and events, always helping with set-up, activities, and clean-ups. A great team player, she is a positive role model for younger children in her community.

• Madison Hope, Newbridge - Madison leads by example through her kindness, resilience, and commitment to her community. She actively supports her neighbours and inspires others to get involved, making a lasting positive impact in Rosconnell.

• Nathan Lawless, Athy- Despite being just nine years old, Nathan is already making a valuable contribution to his community through local projects and events. An award-winning young writer and published author, he combines creativity with a strong community spirit.

• James (Jimmy) Curtis, Naas - Jimmy is always willing to lend a helping hand and works tirelessly to make his estate a better place. His kindness and commitment to supporting his neighbours make him a valued member of the community.

Community Group of the Year 2026 – Naas Arch Club

Naas Arch Club was honoured for its work as a volunteer led social club for adults with additional needs. Founded in 2004, the club’s vision is to provide their members with a fun, secure and supportive environment. Through a variety of activities such as drama, sport, music, dance and many more, the members develop new friendships and build confidence. 

Youth Group of the year 2026 – Room 26 at St. Farnan’s Secondary School, Prosperous

Room 26 at St. Farnan’s Secondary School, Prosperous is a Moderate Learning Class, supporting students with a wide range of additional needs. Through close collaboration with Anne Street Community House, students take part in meaningful community-based activities that help build confidence, independence, communication and life skills. At its heart, this partnership reflects a simple belief: students should not have to wait until they leave school to become valued members of their community.

Room 26’s inspiring approach demonstrates the importance of seeing ability in disability and ensuring every young person, has the opportunity to participate, contribute and belong in their community.

Best Kept Garden & Best Pollinator Friendly Garden Awards:

The Best Kept Garden Award recognises those who take pride in their outdoor spaces - creating beautiful, welcoming environments that lift the spirits of passers-by and enhance the look and feel of their estate. 

Winner: Sandra Duffy, Dunmurray Rise, Kildare Town.

Second Place: Eddie Gaskin, Liffey Heights, Ballymore Eustace

The Best Pollinator Friendly Garden Award celebrates those who go a step further, designing spaces that support biodiversity and provide safe havens for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. 

Winners: Raymond and Patricia Troy, Avondale, Leixlip. 

Estate Entrance Awards:

Winner: Liffey Heights, Ballymore Eustace - With inventive sculptures made from towels and the no chew moo cows, this dramatic fun entrance was created on a difficult sloping site.

2^nd Place: Saint Brigids Terrace, Sallins - The entrance to this estate is colourful and spectacular with a choice of well-tended trees, shrubs and perennial plants.

Overall Estate Awards 2026:

Category 1 – Small Estates (1-40 Houses)

• Winner – Wheatfield, Ardclough; 

• Second place - Chorra Choill, Prosperous

• Third place - Millview, Milltown

Category 2 - Medium Estates (41–80 Houses): 

• Winner – Saint Patricks Park, Kill.

• Second place - Ashgrove, Derrinturn.

• Third place – Saint Brigids Terrace, Sallins.

Category 3 - Large Estates (80+ Houses): 

• Winner – Avondale, Leixlip

• Joint Second place - Liffey Heights, Ballymore Eustace & Bishopsland, Kildare Town.

• Joint Third place – Loughnamona Leixlip & Anne Street, Prosperous

Community Development Project Awards  2026

Age Friendly Project

Winner: Anne Street, Prosperous

Climate Action Project

Winner: Ashgrove, Derrinturn 

Integration Category

Winner: Loughnamona, Leixlip

Community Development Project without Community Centre 2026

Winner: Dunmurray Rise, Kildare Town.

Community Development Project with Community Centre 2026

Winner: Ballyroe, Athy.

Second place: Rosconnell, Newbridge.

Third place: Loughnamona, Leixlip

Community Endeavour Award 2026

Winner: River View, Naas

Special Recognition Award 2026

Winners: Goretti Terrace, Prosperous and Saint Patrick’s Park, Celbridge