Golden Day For Clare's Tidy Town Groups

Eight Clare communities are celebrating success at this year’s SuperValu TidyTowns Competition, with Ballyvaughan, Clarecastle, Ennis, Kilrush, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Quin, Shannon and Tuamgraney all achieving Gold Medals. There is particular cause for celebration in Quin, which has been named the tidiest area in County Clare, increasing its score from 396 points last year to 411 this year. Ennis has also reached a significant milestone, claiming its 25th Gold Medal, while Ballyvaughan and Shannon are among the Clare communities recognised for their ongoing work. Across the country, 936 towns and villages entered this year’s competition. Meanwhile, Minister Dara Calleary has announced €1.5 million in funding for almost 1,000 TidyTowns groups, with grants available for projects supporting community development, sustainability and biodiversity. To discuss what these awards mean for Clare, the hard work behind the success and the challenges facing TidyTowns groups, Alan Morrissey was joined by Pat O’Brien of Quin Tidy Towns, Derek Clune of Shannon Tidy Towns, and Victor McSweeney, owner of The Hazelwood Lodge and a committee member of Ballyvaughan Tidy Towns. Image (c) Tidy Towns