Community Champions Award 2024

People First Credit Union Announces the third annual 'Community Champions Award' of €10,000!

People First Credit Union is thrilled to announce Ballinakill Community Development Association as the proud recipient of the 'Community Champions Award' at People First Credit Unions AGM held at the Clanard Court Hotel Athy on Wednesday, 29th January. The 'Community Champions Award,' a generous €10,000 prize, was introduced to recognize and support the outstanding efforts of local volunteers within People First Credit Union's common bond area of Portlaoise, Abbeyleix, Athy and Stradbally. The selection process involved a rigorous evaluation of the nominees, with Ballinakill Community Development Association emerging as the distinguished winner among three finalists, which also included Athy Sing and Sign and Abbeyleix Community Garden.

Ballinakill Community Development Association

Their Virtual Tour Project is an outstanding initiative that showcases Ballinakill’s rich history, highlights local business sites, and promotes the village's facilities. This innovative project not only celebrates the village’s heritage but also encourages active lifestyles, boosts tourism, and fosters community engagement both online and offline.

Both runners up, Athy Sing and Sign and Abbeyleix Community Garden were also awarded with €2,000 each towards their projects.

Athy Sing and Sign

The club was founded in 2005 by Aiden Mchugh. Aiden is a PAL President Award Leader and he encouraged young teenagers to learn Irish Sign Language as part of their personal skill for the Gaisce awards. In 2007 Maggie Owens became their new ISL teacher and together they formed the Athy Sing & Sign Club where young people and teenagers of Athy and surrounding areas learn ISL in a fun and informal way. To date hundreds of teenagers have joined, learned and are now competent in I.S.L.

Abbeyleix Community Garden

A garden for the community and by the community. A coming together of the community to explore, learn and create a social productive space of self reliance in vegetable and fruit growing. This incredible project has created a vibrant community space, promoting sustainability, connection, and a love for nature.

The application process for the 'Community Champions Award' remains simple and accessible.

Application forms are available here.