
Draíocht Nominated for Pride of Place Award 2023 - Creative Place Category
Judging Panel Visits Draíocht on 4th September
Awards Take Place on 10th November 2023

Image: Robert Burns, Fingal County Council; Sarah Beirne, Children & Youth Arts Officer, Draíocht; Adrian Henchy, Mayor of Fingal; Katrina Murphy, Pride of Place Judge; Emer McGowan, Director Draíocht; & Peter Hynes, Pride of Place Judge.
Judging in the annual IPB Pride of Place Competition in Fingal took place earlier this week when three groups, including Draíocht, represented the county and showcased why they represent the best in Community Development on the island of Ireland.
Draíocht was delighted to welcome Mayor of Fingal Adrian Henchy and the Judging Panel, for the Pride of Place Awards Judging on 4th September 2023, where our team presented the range of youth projects available in Dublin 15 for the last 22 years.
Judges Peter Hynes and Katrina Murphy received a presentation about our work from Director Emer McGowan and Children & Youth Arts Officer Sarah Beirne, which was followed by a meet and greet with some members and facilitators of our Create Dance and Dublin 15 Youth Theatre Projects.
Some projects we highlighted included The Toddler Take Over for Ages 1-4 years; Our PlayGround Orchestra - Bringing a Full Orchestra to 17,000 pupils in D15 Schools in 2020 & 2021; Our Live Theatre Tour to Primary Schools with Paul Curley's shows, BAKE! & THE DIG in 2022 & 2023; Our Create Dance Project - Weekly Dance Classes for children with disabilities; and our weekly D15 Youth Theatre Project for 14-18 Year olds every Tuesday night.




Draíocht joins two other groups representing Fingal County Council's Community Development Department, including Broadmeadow Community Garden Group & Garristown Community Council.
"The great work of our voluntary groups, and the strong support they get from our Community Development Office is crucial to the community wellbeing of the county, and I sincerely want to wish all three groups the very best of luck with the judging next week." - Chief Executive of Fingal County Council AnnMarie Farrelly