Rathdrum best estate in County Cavan
The Rathdrum estate in Virginia was the big winner in the Cavan County Estate Awards 2015 presented in the courthouse last Thursday evening.
The Shane Donnelly Perpetual Shield was presented to the Rathdrum Residents Association.
Stanley Nwaneri, a member of the association, said: “We are just delighted at receiving this award.”
The awards night was well attended with over 120 people present, representing 76 estate groups from across the county.
Many of the residents groups also put up poster boards showing photographs of the work they had carried out throughout the year. The posters will remain on display to the public for the remainder of this week.
Cllr Paddy Smith (FG), Cathaoirleach, Cavan County Council, presented a number of Awards, under the categories of Best Estate, Best Special Feature, Best Youth Group and Best Individual House & Garden.
Cllr Smith praised the work of the residents groups. “They have worked very hard throughout the year. As a result we now have many beautiful estates around our county and I commend everyone involved for their efforts and dedication.”
On the night, residents groups gave details of a number of initiatives they undertook to improve the appearance of public areas. These included a beautiful ‘Lake View’ completed by the residents group at Drumgola Wood, Cavan Town and also a colourful example of street art ‘the Minions’ - put together by the upcycling of discarded tyres, at Rathdrum, Virginia.
Cavan County Council’s housing liaison officer, Marty Lynch, said that the Estate Awards had grown to become a very special community event.
“There was a terrific atmosphere at the awards night. It was really special to meet the residents groups and to see the spirit and pride they showed in taking care of the areas where they live,” he said.
Cavan Town estates were prominent among the award winners this year. St Patrick’s Terrace took first prize in their category with judges praising the residents for the many new flower beds installed. Also notable among the award winners was Twin Oaks, Bailieborough, who used their estate grant to put up new signage at the estate entrance.
WINNERS
Shane Donnelly Perpetual Shield – Rathdrum, Virginia
Cavan and Belturbet MD
Best Estate – Category A
1st, St Patrick’s Terrace, Cavan Town
2nd, Sean Lee Drive, Belturbet
Best Estate – Category B
1st, The Steeples, Cavan Town
2nd, Loughview, Cavan Town
Best Special Feature, Drumgola Wood, Cavan Town – ‘Lake View’
Most Improved Estate, O’Raghallaigh Park, Cavan Town
Bailieborough & Cootehill MD
Best Estate – Category A
1st, Lodge View, Cootehill
2nd, Lisanisky, Kingscourt
Best Estate – Category B
1st, Fairymount, Kingscourt
2nd, Drumbannon, Bailieborough
Best Special Feature, Twin Oaks, Bailieborough – Estate Entrance Signage
Most Improved Estate, Cabra View, Kingscourt
Ballyjamesduff MD
Best Estate – Category A
1st, Rathdrum, Virginia
2nd, Kilmore, Ballyjamesduff
Best Estate – Category B
1st, Marian Row, Ballinagh
2nd, Lochview, Gowna
Best Special Feature, Ardkill, Ballinagh – ‘Flower Beds’
Most Improved Estate, Rosehill, Mullagh
Special Awards
Best Upcycling Initiative, Rathdrum, Virginia ‘The Minions’
Best Youth Group, Cluain Dara, Kingscourt, ‘Spring Clean Crew’
Best Individual House & Garden, Michael & Pauline McDonagh, Doonbeg, Ballyconnell
Litter Free Status Awarded to: The Steeples, Cavan Town; Sean Bothar, Cavan Town; Lochview, Gowna; Cloneary, Templeport; Portaliffe, Killeshandra.
For more photos, see Wednesday's Anglo-Celt