ROSSCARBERY has been crowned Ireland’s Tidiest Village for the second time - narrowly missing out on the national title and finishing just one point behind overall winners Carrick-on-Shannon.

Judges awarded Rosscarbery 399 points and praised the efforts of the community, describing the school’s map submitted as ‘nothing short of a piece of art’.

They also singled out for praise the fine-looking businesses in the village, including the ‘lovely colours’ of Nolan’s Bar, the traditional pub fronts of O’Brien’s and Callaghan Walsh’s, and the ‘impressive windows’ of the Pilgrim’s Rest.

Judges, who visited in June and July, found the Post Office to be a ‘gorgeous little building’, while one adjudicator admitted they couldn’t resist a visit to Drip Coffee. However, business owners were subtly reminded that modern treatments like window stickers ‘might not be suitable’. Not a single piece of litter was found during the two days of the visit, with the only exception to the overall tidiness a touch up required for Castle Salem.

A judge who visited in July was struck by the commitment of private residences: ‘Every corner I turned or side road I wandered down during the visit revealed another beautifully painted and presented house or row of houses.

‘We really admire your attention to detail and scrupulous work. Your entry was excellent and the site visit did not in any way disappoint.’

Rosscarbery Tidy Towns chairman John Moloney said the committee was ‘honoured and thrilled’ with the recognition which reflects the dedication of the team and wider community.

‘The Tidy Towns initiative has evolved into a multifaceted programme, encompassing critical areas such as biodiversity, sustainability, water quality, landscaping and waste reduction,’ he added.

‘We are fortunate to have a wealth of local expertise and an exceptional team of volunteers who contribute weekly to a wide range of activities… we also enjoy strong partnerships with our local schools.

‘The award is a celebration of community pride, environmental stewardship, and the power of collective action.’

Several West Cork towns, villages and islands were recognised at this year’s SuperValu Tidy Towns Awards, with a record 929 towns nationwide competing for the prestigious titles.

Rosscarbery was awarded €5,000 for its win, with Bere Island crowned the national winner in the islands category, with a €1,000 prize fund, and Sherkin Island receiving a highly commended certificate and €500.

Gold medal status was awarded to Macroom, Kinsale, Carrigaline, Rosscarbery, Timoleague, Skibbereen and Ballydehob. Silver medal status was achieved by Kilbrittain, Innishannon, Glengarriff, Clonakilty and Bantry.

Bronze medal winners included Bandon, Bere Island and Dunmanway, while Cape Clear Island was recognised with an Endeavour Award.

Jerome Dwyer, chairman of Skibbereen Tidy Towns committee, welcomed the town’s third gold medal in a row.

‘A big thank you to the townspeople of Skibbereen, our dedicated volunteers, our supporters, CE workers, local schools, Cork County Council and garden centres and local chamber,’ he said.

Judges singled out the Friends of the Rock project for praise and said the rejuvenation of some buildings, including the library, were a credit to the town’s streetscape. Street art, poetry and ‘nice old buildings’ also scored highly with the judges.