The 1997 AIB Nationwide Better Ireland Awards were presented to four community projects on both sides of the Border by the President, Mrs McAleese, at a ceremony televised live on RTE One last night.
The four winners, who received £20,000 each, were a media training centre in Derry; an education and research service in Co Tyrone; and projects to convert a derelict Co Sligo factory into a theatre venue and a Co Westmeath distillery into a museum.
The awards recognise community groups who "enhance the quality of life of their communities", according to AIB. More than 1,000 groups entered the awards, making it the State's largest community awards scheme.
The four major award winners were selected from 24 finalists who were shortlisted from 96 groups. The finalists received awards of £5,000 each at earlier regional presentations.
Mrs McAleese said the endeavours of people involved in the projects "will add to the quality of life not just of individual communities, but of Ireland as a whole". Mr Tom Mulcahy, AIB's group chief executive, said the awards were an important way for AIB "to recognise the many diverse groups that undertake such varied activities towards making a better Ireland".
Last night's awards were presented under four categories. Locke's Distillery Museum, in Kilbeggan, Co Westmeath, won the heritage/environment category for the conversion of the distillery to a museum which has been taking place since 1982. The museum attracted 32,000 visitors last year.
Creggan Education and Research Services Ltd, in Omagh, Co Tyrone, won the community/ enterprise development category. The group's work has included the development of a visitors' centre, self-catering cottages, a period-style farmhouse and its research and educational activities.
The winner of the arts/communications category was the Sligo-based Blue Raincoat Theatre Company which is converting a derelict factory into a performance venue, workshop and rehearsals facility.
The youth category was won by the Nerve Centre, in Derry city. The centre provides training and work experience for young people interested in a range of media, including film and music.
This year's prize fund will be £297,000, some £25,000 more than last year's fund.