Cathaoirleach commends east Clare performance in Tidy Towns

HUGE community efforts across the Killaloe Municipal District have resulted in increased marks for all participants in this year’s Tidy Towns Competition. 

Cathaoirleach Alan O’Callaghan said it was wonderful to see local communities putting so much work into their local areas. “On the back of Covid, many groups were down in funds, so it’s great to see them taking on the challenge again and actually upping their game. Without dedicated Tidy Towns committees across the district, the Council would just not be in a position to maintain the same levels of tidiness. It’s particularly good to see newcomers joining committees and brining in fresh ideas and approaches.”

Councillor O’Callaghan, who said he had supported Tidy Towns activities through his General Municipal Allocation (GMA), also welcomed the contribution of local groups to biodiversity. “Once upon a time, the big focus was on cutting everything and making it look orderly. Now, there’s a fresh focus on leaving certain areas to grow wild to boost biodiversity and to support pollinators. We can see a big improvement in that area. It’s also great to see so many schools and young people involved because they are really promoting the message of cutting litter and increasing biodiversity. Education is hugely important here.”

The Killaloe district has a proud tradition in Tidy Towns, with Mountshannon taking part for four decades and taking the national award in 1981. This year, Cratloe was among the prize winners, taking the €1,000 ‘Best Newcomer’ title. It was commended for participation in Leader-funded biodiversity training. St John’s Church and the presentation of the school and the local hall were also praised. 

Bodyke was awarded 289 marks this year, up on its score of 276 in 2021. Judges commended the Old Forge and said it had been a pleasure to visit the new Community Park. 

Bridgetown secured 304 marks this year, up two points on its 2021 score. Judges referred to the village’s “fine track record” and notes its 31 years of participation in the competition. They commended the partnership with Castleconnell Fishery Association, the Local Authorities Water Project and the Green Schools scheme. Bridgetown was described as “a charming village”. 

Broadford secured 253 points this year, up from 242 in 2021. The town was welcomed back into the competition. The adjudicator also congratulated Broadford on its new community playground and noted the partnership between the local Action Group, the school and the Parish Council. 

Clonlara scored 293 marks. It was welcomed back into the competition after previously entering in 1996, Judges commended the “superb Heritage Trail” and congratulated the community on securing funds for the refurbishment of Kintenanlea Church. 

Feakle scored 309 points, up from 293 last year. The community was commended for “a fine submission”. The fact that Tidy Towns members are voted onto the committee by parishioners was described by judges as “most interesting” and “a first” in the experience of the adjudicator. 

Kilkishen secured 278 points, up on last year’s 265. It was commended on links between the Tidy Towns committee and the local GAA club, as well as the school and other bodies. The forge was described as “a fine feature” and the Bog Walk as “a fine achievement”, 

Kilmurry secured 269 points, significantly up on its 2021 score of 256. Judged commended the setting up the polytunnel, which was described as “a great asset to achieving sustainable planting”. St Mary’s Church was described as “charming”. 

Mountshannon secured 340 points, up for its 2021 score of 2021. Judges commended the town on four decades of continuous participation. They welcomed the new community council and Tidy Towns subgroup. The planned new Holy Island Visitor Experience centre was described as “an exciting project that will add a new dimension to life in Mountshannon”. 

Quin secured 350 points, up from 335 in 2021. The “tremendous heritage” and “natural beauty” of Quin were noted and judges commended engagement with Scoil na Mainistreach. They said that the Junior and Little Tidy Towns Group was “very welcome” and a big factor in promoting the ethos of community participation. 

Scariff scored 317 points, up from the 303 it secured in 2021. Judges commended the local committee’s use of the media to get its message out, particularly Scariff Bay Community Radio. The Riverside Park was described as “a wonderful amenity”. 

Spancilhill-Clooney scored 245 points, up from 232 in 2021. Judges noted the efforts of the local development group and said the diverse range of skills available to it was impressive. They added that the Tidy Towns subgroup had great community support and that the approach was “vibrant and proactive”. 

Tuamgraney scored 347 points, up from 335 in 2021. It was congratulated on the completion of the “beautiful Memorial Park”. The villages 25 years in the competition was commended. Numerous features were praised including the presentation of Reddan’s Quay. 

Tulla scored 309 points, up from 292 last year. The work of Transition Year students in supporting Tidy Towns was commended for producing improvements in refurbishing roadside facades and enhancing the village. The collaboration of the scouts was also praised as was the ‘Hill of Tulla’ mural. 

Whitegate scored 299 points, up from 282 in 2021. The village was described as “beautiful” and “a pleasure to adjudicate”. Particular praise was given on the securing of funding for work at Clonrush Cemetery.