SEPTEMBER 2025 Winner – PACE Centre honoured with Community Spirit Award

Passage West PACE Centre has been named the September recipient of The Cork
International Hotel Community Spirit Award, presented in association with The Carrigdhoun
Newspaper. The award recognises outstanding contributions to community life, and the
PACE Centre stands as a powerful example of how dedication, volunteerism and
compassion can make a lasting difference to people of all ages, particularly the elderly,
across the Passage West, Monkstown and Rochestown areas.
At the heart of the Passage West PACE Centre is a small but deeply committed group of
local volunteers who give their time and energy to provide a wide range of services and
activities. Their work focuses on promoting inclusion, wellbeing and social connection,
especially for older members of the community, while also creating a welcoming space that
caters to all generations. Activities hosted at the centre include art classes, indoor bowling,
toddler groups, Irish dancing classes and many other social and recreational programmes
that bring people together.
One of the most vital services provided by the PACE Centre is its long-running
Meals-on-Wheels programme. This service has been volunteer-led in Passage West for
more than 45 years and continues to play a crucial role in supporting vulnerable and elderly
residents. Currently, Meals-on-Wheels provides freshly prepared meals to approximately 40
to 50 people every day, ensuring not only that they receive nutritious food, but also that they
benefit from regular human contact and care.
Beyond Meals-on-Wheels, the volunteers at Passage West PACE Centre also organise
regular in-house dinners and social gatherings. Elderly members of the community are
invited into the centre to share a meal, enjoy conversation and take part in activities. These
events are especially important for those who may be experiencing loneliness or isolation,
providing them with a sense of belonging and connection within their community.
Fundraising plays a central role in sustaining the centre’s day-to-day activities. The PACE
Centre relies heavily on local fundraising initiatives, many of which are organised and run
entirely by the volunteer group themselves. Their continued commitment ensures that
essential services can be maintained and expanded, despite the ongoing challenges faced
by community organisations.
Vincent O’Donovan, Managing Director of The Carrigdhoun Newspaper, praised the centre’s
contribution, saying “The importance of the PACE Centre to the wider area cannot be
overstated. It has become a hub of activity, support and social interaction, enriching the lives
of countless individuals and families. Its recognition as the September Community Spirit
Award winner reflects the enormous impact it has had over many years.
Through tireless volunteer effort and unwavering community spirit, Passage West PACE
Centre continues to be a cornerstone of local life, making its Community Spirit Award
recognition both fitting and well deserved