Three community groups from the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough have been recognised at the 2026 IPB Pride of Place Awards, held at the Convention Centre in Dublin on Saturday 24 October.

Glenanne Community Association received a Special Award for work celebrating local heritage and caring for the environment through shared spaces, green areas, community meeting points, volunteer clean-ups and environmental projects.

Portadown choir Just Sing was named runner-up in the Creative Communities Award, recognised for bringing people together through music and encouraging participation. Craigavon-based Chrysalis Women's Centre was runner-up in the Community-Focused Wellbeing Initiative Award for providing support, personal development and connection for women in the local community.

Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Councillor Mary O'Dowd, said the evening recognised the work of volunteers and organisations with a positive impact across communities. She said four local groups were shortlisted and three received recognition, and congratulated everyone involved.

A total of 63 awards were presented across 23 categories, including 29 winners and 34 runners-up. The ceremony was hosted by Dublin City Council in association with Co-operation Ireland and brought together over 800 volunteers, community groups and guests.

The event was presided over by former RTE broadcaster Joe Duffy. Lord Mayor of Dublin Daryl Bannon delivered the welcome address, followed by speeches from Co-operation Ireland chief executive Stephen Dallas, Dublin City Council chief executive Richard Shakespeare, IPB Pride of Place Awards chairman Tom Dowling and IPB Insurance board chairman John Hogan.

Seven categories were in the Cities section of the competition, with 14 other categories, six special awards and a Council Award. Special Awards were chosen from entries across all categories. Winners and runners-up received a crystal trophy and a monetary prize.