Clonlara spruces up ahead of first Tidy Towns visit in 25 years

CLONLARA has benefited from a major clean-up after the local development association entered the national 2022 Tidy Towns’ Competition for the first time in 25 years.

Spearheaded by the Clonlara Development Association (CDA), local volunteers have been very busy preparing for the visit of the national tidy towns’ judges, which can take place any time from June 11 to August 5 without any advance notice.

Philippa Keogh of CDA said the village is looking “fantastic”, and noted all the hard work is greatly appreciated by local residents.

The last time Clonlara entered this competition was back in 1996.

CDA asked the local primary school St Senan’s National School would they get involved with Tidy Towns and they decided to take up their offer of running a colouring competition.

The winning posters were then printed on corriboard, when the theme was anti-litter and Pollinator messaging.

The group has just received the printed signs and has placed them in key areas around the village as well as local housing estates.

Ms Keogh said the posters look very well at key vantage points around the village.

“Local children are delighted to see their artwork around the village and it brightens up the many grass verges.

“It is also an added reminder for the children not to litter in the good weather and summer holidays.

“Local children were delighted to be involved in preparation for Tidy Towns and when designing their posters they choose between anti-litter or save the bees pollinator messaging,” she said.

Teachers from St Senan’s National School picked 15 winners from all 12 classes.

The group was delighted to unveil winners of the Tidy Towns themed colouring competition.

CDA would like to congratulate all the children that took part and the winning entries from Darragh Caffrey Cox, Shay Lynch, Aoibh Griffin, Beth Mc Mahon, Jarred Lynch, Luke Power, Nicola Collins, Sara Daly, Essie Hickey, Annie McKeon, Evan Williams, Joey Fitzgerald, Cian McMahon, Amelia Keogh and Aedán Griffin.

CDA has thanked St Senan’s National School for co-ordinating the competition, business sponsorship and Colm O Connell for installation.