‘It’s about the community, getting them involved and improving where we live’

While Ballincollig in County Cork was awarded Ireland’s Tidiest Town last week, local committees across counties Cavan and Monaghan were also winners of various awards and large amounts of funding.

Cavan Town, once again, placed first in the county, earning themselves a silver medal. Second went to Redhills; while third was awarded to Killeshandra. The Endeavour Award was won by Maghera, while the winners of the Local Authority Pollinator Award were Cavan Tidy Towns.

Speaking on their win, Cavan Tidy Towns committee secretary, Paul Lynch, said: “It was great.”

It is the fifteenth year in a row the committee has won best in county. Paul said they are getting “ever so closer” to achieving a gold medal for the county.

“We will get there,” he said confidently.

“It’s onwards and upwards, we’ve got loads of different projects happening over last year and this year. We’re really excited about it.”

Their next project will launch on November 23 in conjunction with the Heritage Council, which will see them clean the “historic” Annagelliffe Cemetery, which is “completely overgrown”. They are aiming to get local school students involved in this project.

“It’s about the community, getting them involved and improving where we live.”

Over in Monaghan, The Town Centre First Award went to Carrickmacross. The County First achievement went to Glaslough, second went to Carrickmacross and third in county went to Monaghan Town, each of which also received gold medals. The Endeavour Award was given to Killeevan and the Highly Commended Waters and Communities Award went to Emyvale.

Fifteen groups across Cavan were awarded funding amounting to €19,000, with the top sum awarded to Cavan Tidy Towns which received €3,000.

Neighbours Monaghan received €29,000 across 21 different groups in the county.

Speaking at the announcement of the awards and funding at Croke Park on Friday, Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys commended the volunteers who “have worked tirelessly” to make communities “better, more sustainable and more attractive places for locals and visitors alike”.

“You give up so much of your time and your skills for no other reason than wanting to give back to the town and village that you are proud to call home,” Minister Humphreys praised.

She highlighted those who “embark on the litter picks before dawn” an activity that takes place “while the rest of us are still in our beds”.

“Or those of you who we all see out walking the back roads in your high-vis jackets late into the evening, through rain, hail and shine.”

Minister Humphreys said all of this work is done “with a sense of pride, a sense of vision, and a sense of community”.

Senator Joe O’Reilly also praised the “wonderful work” done to keep “towns and villages shining”.

“I am delighted to see this funding in recognition of that,” Senator O’Reilly said.

“Tidy Towns groups not only keep Cavan shining, but also make a significant contribution to driving biodiversity initiatives, building sustainable communities, and overall aiding in achieving our climate goals.”