There were celebrations in Clonakilty this week after they retained their gold Tidy Town's medal, finishing seven marks ahead of last year and just two behind the overall winner.
BY EMMA CONNOLLY
THERE were celebrations in Clonakilty this week after they retained their gold Tidy Town’s medal, finishing seven marks ahead of last year and just two behind the overall winner.
Ballincollig was also given a prestigious gold while silvers went to Rosscarbery, Bantry, Kinsale, Skibbereen and Carrigaline.
West Cork committees were also awarded several bronze with honours going to Bandon, Rathbarry, Kilbrittain, Lislevane, Eyeries, Ballydehob, Timoleague and Macroom.
Ahiohill got a County Endeavour award; while teen Ronan McMahon from SuperValu TidyTowns Kinsale was a runner up in the Community Hero Awards.
At the awards ceremony Ronan (13), along with other community heroes from across the country, received a commendation for their commitment to building thriving communities through their work on their local SuperValu Tidy Towns committee. The 13-year-old was congratulated on his remarkable achievement. Martin Kelleher, Managing Director, SuperValu, said: ‘Ronan is a true hero and represents the next generation of Tidy Towns volunteers.’
Bere Island was the National Award winner for 2019 in the Islands awards, with Sherkin Island also recognised.
There was more recognition for the area in the county awards when Clonakilty and Ballincollig got awards with Rosscarbery also highly commended.
In the County awards category, Coolagown, Ballincollig and Clonakilty took home winning titles with Castletownroche, Cobh and Rosscarbery highly commended for their efforts also.
Writing on their Facebook page, Clonakilty Tidy Towns said: What a great result for the Tidy Towns volunteers, CE scheme workers, business owners and residents of Clon.This is what can be done when all work together.Well done to all .Onwards and upwards for 2020.’
Glaslough in Monaghan was named as Ireland’s Tidiest Town for 2019, their second time taking the honours.
On hand to present the prizes were Mr. Michael Ring, T.D., Minister for Rural and Community Development who said: ‘The work of all those involved in the Tidy Towns effort results in the attractive and welcoming towns and villages we see all over the country, and from which we all benefit. It is this passion and pride that has made our towns and villages not only attractive and welcoming for visitors, but have created a ‘sense of place’ for those who live, work and raise families there. That is why this competition has continued to flourish for more than 60 years.’
Minister Ring also announced a special allocation of €1.4 million to support the work of individual Tidy Towns Committees around the country to assist them in their continued efforts to enhance their towns and villages.
‘All of the towns and villages involved in the competition across the country should benefit from this investment. Wherever you have active Tidy Towns committees, it gives the town a real sense of pride and engagement, and creates a great atmosphere for both residents and visitors alike.’
The SuperValu TidyTowns competition is organised by the Department of Rural and Community Development and sponsored by SuperValu who have supported the competition since 1992.
The results were:
CORK SOUTH
Category A
Kilbrittain - 334
Ballinadee - 315
Carrigadrohid/Killardrish - 302
Baile Mhuirne - 285
Ballinhassig - 272
Minane Bridge – 256
Cullen -215
Category B
Innishannon – 330
Glounthaune - 323
Ladysbridge - 305
Belgooly - 298
Grenagh - 297
Killeagh - 286
Ballymakeera - 285
Mogeely - 273
Clondrohid – 271
Waterfall - 271
Dripsey - 257
Monkstown - 241
Category C
Cloyne - 282
Shandon - 254
Category D
Kinsale - 333
Macroom - 330
Carrigtwohill - 299
Category E
Youghal - 333
Bandon - 317
Category F
Cobh - 338
Category G
Ballincollig - 344
Carrigaline - 325
Douglas - 305
Togher - 290
Category H
Bishopstown - 224
CORK WEST
Category A
Rathbarry - 335
Lislevane - 334
Eyeries - 332
Sherkin Island - 320
Ardfield - 319
Newcestown - 315
Kilcrohane - 305
Kealkill - 300
Glandore - 299
Inchigeela - 292
Whiddy Island - 282
Cuil Aodha - 281
Toormore - 279
Ballylickey - 273
Castletownshend - 272
Dursey Island - 267
Goleen - 256
Ahiohill - 216
Category B
Rosscarbery - 340
Ballydehob - 333
Timoleague - 331
Glengarriff - 325
Bere Island - 323
Union Hall - 320
Courtmacsherry – 314
Béal Átha an Ghaorthaidh -311
Baltimore - 309
Schull - 301
Aherla - 284
Ballineen/Enniskeane - 271
Ballinspittle - 267
Durrus - 254
Drinagh - 247
Category C
Dunmanway - 317
Castletownbere - 308
Category D
Clonakilty -344
Bantry - 334
Skibbereen - 331
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