LOCAL ENTRIES SHINE IN TIDY TOWNS COMPETITION
Towns and villages throughout this region scored high marks in the Tidy Towns competition the results of which were announced at a special 50th anniversary banquet in Dublin on Monday night last.
Coolagown followed last year’s silver medal by going gold and winning the top award in county Cork this time around. The village is now well within touching distance of the ultimate honour and big celebrations are planned for O’Bs, Coolagown on this Saturday night.
Lismore, which won the title for tidiest town in 2004, missed this year’s title by just five points but the achievements of the committee and of all the volunteers cannot be underestimated.
“The last time it happened we won the following year. I have no doubt that we’ll be up there for the national title next time, “Deputy Mayor Bernard Leddy told The Avondhu.
Lismore Mayor Jan Rotte took the opportunity to acknowledge the commitment and dedication of the committee members and volunteers, who worked so hard to keep the standards very high.
“It is getting more and more difficult every year. There is more competition, but our points keep going up every year, and that’s absolutely brilliant,” he enthuses.
Cllr. Aileen Pyne complimented all those involved in making Coolagown and Castlelyons very successful this year, as their work was reflected in the high marks the two villages received.
“We are all very proud of them,” she said. She continued, “As a member of Keep Fermoy a Tidier Town, I am very proud to say that Fermoy was top of its category.”
Cllr. John Murphy was happy with Fermoy’s result in the competition.
“We succeeded in controlling the litter. From there we will go to the next stage. The square will be a focal point. The painting of the buildings in the square is very important. As for the flower planters they have just arrived and they will be planted and displayed soon. It’s the way forward,” he concluded.
In Limerick Galbally (282) increased its marks by five again coming second to Adare while Ardpatrick scored a very creditable 278 in third place.
Kilbehenny, which straddles three counties, Limerick, Cork and Tipperary, captured a Special Endeavour award and 188 marks.
Cork county Cllr. Frank O’Flynn also applauded the extraordinary success of both Coolagown and Castlelyons, especially since both villages are in the same parish. “I am delighted for their tremendous success. North Cork is on the map and it is due to the voluntary effort put in by local communities,” he said.
Willie Casey, chairman of the Castlelyons Tidy Towns committee, told The Avondhu, “We are happy enough. We have improved our marks. We’ll have a meeting next week after we see the breakdown and discuss the figures and how we can improve.”
Towns and villages that did well in the 2008 Tidy Towns competition in The Avondhu coverage area include: Coolagown 298, Doneraile 212, Castlelyons-Bridesbridge 277, Castletownroche 278, Kildorrery 230, Rathcormac 200, Kilworth 266, Fermoy 245, Kilbehenny 188 (Special Endeavour Award), Galbally 282, Ardpatrick 278, Kilfinane 223, Clogheen 243, Kilsheelan 269, Cappoquin 252 and Lismore 298.
Published:
Thursday 11th September 6:49pm
