Newry group Davina’s Ark honoured at IPB Pride of Place Awards

Newry group, Davina’s Ark, which provides addiction services, was honoured at the All-Ireland Pride of Place community awards in Limerick on Friday, November 7.

The delighted group won the Community Wellbeing Initiative category at the awards, hosted by comedian and broadcaster Dermot Whelan, with 400 community volunteers in attendance.

IPB Pride of Place 2025 Competition, Cities Competition Awards: presented by Pat Daly, Director General of Limerick City and County Council, and Pat Farrell, Co-operation Ireland Category Five - Community Wellbeing Initiative, Davinas Ark, Newry City.

placeholder image — IPB Pride of Place 2025 Competition, Cities Competition Awards: presented by Pat Daly, Director General of Limerick City and County Council, and Pat Farrell, Co-operation Ireland Category Five - Community Wellbeing Initiative, Davinas Ark, Newry City.

“Receiving an All-Ireland Pride of Place Award is such an honour," said Davina's Ark CEO, Rosemary Rooney.

“It is a true testament to the hard work, commitment and dedication of all our team, service users and community. It’s a feeling of immense pride and great joy.

“It is such an encouraging feeling that motivates all our community and showcases our city’s achievements at a national level.

“It fuels a desire to keep improving and to celebrate the collective achievements of a community.

“It truly is humbling and we want to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved.”

Judges praised the ethos of Davina’s Ark, saying: “Davina’s Ark is dedicated to the provision of non-residential aftercare services for individuals, families and young people affected by addiction and psychological trauma.”

The Pride of Place competition was initiated 23 years ago and has grown into the largest competition recognising community development achievements on the island of Ireland.