NATIONAL PRIDE OF PLACE GLORY FOR NEWCASTLE WEST COMMUNITY

Limerick continued its impressive track record of success in the IPB Pride of Place Competition at the 11th annual awards ceremony in Derry on Saturday night.

Castleview Residents’ Association in Newcastle West was named overall winner of the Housing Estates Category in this year’s all-island comp-etition. Representatives from Castleview made the long journey north on Saturday to be present at the ceremony in which there were up to 32 finalists shortlisted from all over the island of Ireland.

Judging for the competition took place as far back as July and on the occasion of the judges’ visit, the Residents Association arranged for the celebration of a special Mass in the courtyard in Castleview.

Castleview Estate was built in 1977. Limerick County Council has carried out major refurbishment works to the estate in recent years. The Council’s Estate Management section continues to work in a significant manner with Castleview Residents’ Association.

Speaking about Castleview Residents’ Association, which was reformed nine years ago, the Pride of Place judges said, “The care and attention to detail on the day of the judges’ visit was unprecedented. All the public areas were maintained to a very high level and each individual house and garden was a credit to its owner or tenant. Furthermore, the judges were delighted to learn of the excellent working relationship which now exists between the residents and the County Council and which is monitored on a regular basis. The hard work and diligence of the residents have transformed this estate and the concluding celebrations attended by a large gathering were indicative of a happy and united community.” See photos on page 16.