At the Pride of Place judging in Kilanerin last Wednesday were John Carley, Director of Services, Wexford County Council, Sen. Michael D’Arcy, Owen O’Connor (judge), Cllr Mary Farrell, Julie Sommelier (Community Group), Cllr Malcolm Byrne, Chairman Tom Bermingham, Gorey Municipal District Council, Blaise Treacy (judge), Cllr John Hegarty, Cllr Joe Sullivan, Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, Peter O’Connor (Community Group) and Michael Sweeney (Wexford County Council).

There was plenty of activity in Kilanerin village and neighbourhood last Wednesday afternoon as local councillors and Wexford County Council officials gathered with the local community for the judging of Kilanerin’s entry in the prestigious Pride of Place competition.

Kilanerin Ballyfad Community Group are in Category 1 Population 0 – 300, and the official title is the Irish Public Bodies Pride of Place competition 2015 in association with Co-operation Ireland.

Kilanerin Ballyfad Community Development was set up in 2004 to support, enhance and give an overall structure to the efforts of local groups.

They set out an ambitious plan to bring life back into the village centre, harnessing the unique talents, experience and expertise of residents.

The group has helped to transform the village centre with the addition of an award winning Children’s School Garden, an indoor Sports Complex, a Woodland Walk, a Horseshoe Arena, and a Sheltered Housing Scheme.

The judges, Blaise Treacy, former Wicklow County Manager, and Owen O’Connor, former Chief Executive County Down, were brought to explore many aspects of the community and were very impressed.

This year’s competition involves over 100 entries representing cities, towns and villages throughout the island of Ireland.

The winners will be announced at a Gala Awards Night in Treacy’s West County Hotel, Ennis Co Clare on November 14.

Full story this week in THE GOREY ECHO.