All Ireland Award For East Down Rural Community Network
15 November 2011 |
Posted by Anne O'Hare |
East Down Rural Community Network (EDRCN) took an unprecedented bow after they were recognised for their outstanding contribution to the community at a Cross Border event at the weekend writes Anne O'Hare.
Each county in Ireland was represented at the Pride of Place Awards hosted by Co Operation Ireland in Gorey, Co Wexford.
East Down Rural Community Network manager Nicholas McCrickard pictured with the Special Award from the Pride of Place ceremony held ay Gorey, Wexford.
Nicholas McCrickard has headed EDRCN since it's foundation over 20 years ago. Smiling proudly at the Belfast Crystal award he said: “This is the first time we have received an award of this size.
“We were nominated by Down District Council and were originally nominated for the Community Health Initiative category, because that is part of our work.
“We didn't get that award on Saturday night passed at the event but we did receive an award in recognition for the wide range of activities we carry out.
“EDRCN, operates from the Ballymote Centre and the centre played a big factor in winning the award because it is very topical and it's a big success story this year.
Delighted to be representing County Down, Nicholas added: “There was a huge number of community groups represented and each category had two runners up in ten different categories and we were honoured to be recognised over the other counties represented.
“For the Community Health Initiative, we were making the case that we promote good mental and physical health for young and old from as far as Ards in the north, to Newry in the south.
“We deliver these groups in partnership with government health bodies, South Eastern Trust and Down District Council. Thats what we do best.
“We also do rural development programmes and manage the Ballymote Centre where we are based. We made a big play on the breadth of activities we run. And I think they made an exception for us because we have so many strings to our bow and the diversity we offer.”
