Tralee International Resource Centre was honoured at the prestigious Pride of Place community awards on Saturday evening in Dublin (January 21) for their work in integrating refugees.

The centre took the top spot in the ‘Community Resilience’ category with judges praising their ongoing work, particularly with families displaced due to the war in Ukraine.

“The impact of this group can be best judged by the testimony of its service users, who attest to a wonderful service covering everything from family support to organised trips to the beach. The group’s dedicated staff and volunteers are making a significant difference in helping refugees and asylum seekers.”

The awards were hosted by RTÉ’s Marty Whelan and took place in front of 400 community volunteers from across the island at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road.

Sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Pride of Place competition was initiated 20 years ago though a Co-operation Ireland programme to acknowledge the invaluable work undertaken by volunteers and those involved in local community development.

It has grown into the largest competition recognising community development achievements on the island of Ireland.

President Michael D. Higgins, who is Joint Patron of Co-operation Ireland, said the awards played an important role.

“The Pride of Place awards are a most important initiative, reminding us that creating societies that are ethical and inclusive is a task for all of our citizens, of all ages and circumstances.”

Dr Christopher Moran, Chairman of Co-operation Ireland added that Co-operation Ireland "has no other programme that embodies the charity's ethos better than Pride of Place". 

“We work to build relationships across the island and Pride of Place plays a critical role in that work. The impact the awards have had in towns and villages across the island since they started 20 years ago cannot be underestimated, and the continuing success of the awards is down to the dedicated volunteers and their love of where they live."