Copyright kilkennypeople
Three Kilkenny areas have retained their gold status at the SuperValu Tidy Towns Awards. Kilkenny City, Tullahought and Inistioge all maintained their gold status when the annual results were announced at a special ceremony in Croke Park. There were a number of other top awards for Kilkenny communities - The Endeavour Award for the most improved result went to Owning, and Keep Kilkenny Beautiful was one of two national recipients of the Greenways and Active Travel Award, winning €2,500. Inistioge received the highest score in the county, being awarded a gold medal along with Kilkenny City in second place and Tullahought in third. ABOVE: Melville Heights won Best Overall Estate in Keep Kilkenny Beautiful’s annual awards. Marianne Kelly and Frank Corcoran received the award from Mayor John Coonan. Picture: Harry Reid The adjudicators report from Inistioge said: “Inistioge is a charming village nestled in the majestic Nore Valley, serving as a hidden gem in the lesser-explored areas of Ireland. “The current Tidy Towns Committee has made significant contributions by continuing the tradition established by previous members who have served the community during its 62-year involvement in the Tidy Towns.” ABOVE: Mol an Óige. Pupils from Wandesforde NS prepare for a litter pick on the Square, Castlecomer. This is a great help to the Tidy Towns Committee Kilkenny City increased its score in every marking category this year, but the wait for a national win went on as Carrick-on-Shannon in County Leitrim took home the overall prize. Comments on Kilkenny City included: “The city looked exceptionally well, with properties well-presented and a strong sense of pride in the community. As a committee, you have worked tirelessly for the betterment of the city, and you deserve immense credit for your commitment”. A total of 28 community Tidy Towns groups across the county took part in this year’s competition and every one of them saw an increase in marks - a tribute to the hard work and commitment of the Tidy Towns volunteers. Ballyragget - Judges praised the committee for engaging teenagers in Tidy Towns Group. Callan - ‘The efforts of Callan Tidy Towns over the years have been exceptional.’ Bennettsbridge - The adjudicator said the most striking impression was the residents' strong sense of pride in their homes. Kells - The ‘Why do we need bees?’ information panel at St. Mary’s Church was praised, something the adjudicator had not seen before. Johnstown - The committee was praised for their hard work, attention to detail, and innovative ideas. Graignamanagh - The committee has made impressive progress on litter control and tidiness, and the hard work deserves recognition! Gowran - The playground and community hub ‘is an excellent space and amenity area that will benefit all sections of the community.’ Glenmore - Judges said it was a pleasure to revisit and to see that it had retained its rural charm and character. Gathabawn - The Millennium Park is a wonderful amenity for such a small place, maintained to the highest standards. ABOVE: Members of Keep Kilkenny Beautiful at the Tidy Towns awards Freshford - The committee was praised for its commitment to year-round landscaping effects and careful pre-planning. Dunnamaggin - The considerable amount of voluntary manpower dedicated to planting in the village was highly praised. Dungarvan - The ‘commendable body of work over the past year’ was highlighted by judges. Coan - The village looked very well on the day, which is a credit to all its residents. Clogh - The recent public realm work has given a new vibrancy to the village. Tullahought - ‘Exceptional homesteads’ and some ‘outstanding’ gardens impressed judges. Thomastown - The judge said their visit was a ‘delightful experience.’ Stoneyford Ennisnag - The high standard of landscaping has ‘not only been maintained but also improved upon this year.’ Piltown - Since the town re-entered the competition two years ago, a considerable amount of positive goodwill has come from the wider community. Paulstown - The committee was praised for actively engaging with the older members of the community. Owning - ‘The village has excellent potential to excel in the competition in the years ahead.’ Mooncoin - The committee has done an excellent job in promoting the anti-litter message. Moneenroe - Judges praised ‘all residents who demonstrate a strong sense of pride in their community.’ Listerlin - The committee was praised for being proactive in getting things done. Kilmoganny - The judge was impressed with the donation of a water harvesting tank, for a new water harvesting system. Windgap - Noted were some ‘impressive changes’ and that ‘sense of community permeates through all your committee's activities.’ CAMERA CLUB We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether it’s a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots. We are inviting people to share photos that capture the spirit of the county. From special occasions to quieter moments, your pictures help tell the story of everyday life in our community. To submit: Go to the Camera Club page and follow the instructions to upload your photo. Include your name, where it was taken, and a short caption if you can. Your photo could be featured on our website and newspaper and seen by readers across the county and beyond. TAP HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PICTURES TODAY
