Communities bloom at awards

MORE than 25 communities across the county were honoured at the 2012 Community Environmental Awards ceremony hosted by Clare County Council this week with the major gongs going to Ballynacally and Sixmilebridge.
Ballynacally Development Group was named overall winner of the Clare in Bloom competition, while Cappa Lodge in Sixmilebridge claimed the top prize in the Best Kept Local Authority Estate category.
Addressing the large gathering in the Council Chamber at Áras Contae an Chláir, Mayor Pat Daly acknowledged the work being undertaken within Clare communities to enhance the living environment, adding there was a great level of volunteerism and community spirit in the county as evidenced by the significant public interest in the awards schemes.
Tom Coughlan, county manager referenced the challenging times the country and the council is facing. 
He stated, “Even though we are experiencing difficult times as a council, I think it is vital to support communities and that is why we continue to stage these awards. It is our way of thanking community groups and individuals for the valuable work they carry out. Their work not only has a positive impact on their localities but has a real benefit in terms of the economy and particularly in terms of tourism in Clare.”
Mr Coughlan also highlighted the importance of the tourism initiative The Gathering Ireland 2013 and acknowledged the significant role community groups will play in the initiative by enhancing their visual appearance of their local areas.
Thirty-four groups participated in this year’s Clare in Bloom awards, a competition targeted at groups actively involved in the improvement and enhancement of their areas. 
The Mayor’s Environmental Award was presented to Kildysart Tidy Towns, while the overall winner of Clare in Bloom 2012 was Ballynacally Development Group.
Kilrush Tidy Towns were winners in Category 1 followed by Newmarket-on-Fergus. Scariff Community Council and Lisdoonvarna Community Council were joint third.
St Mary’s Community Development in Lissycasey were winners in Category 2, followed by Kilmihil Tidy Towns and Quin Tidy Towns who were adjudged second and third respectively.
Tuamgraney Development Association took the overall prize in Category 3, followed by Ruan Tidy Towns with Bridgetown Development Association and Barefield Tidy Towns joint third.
The Clare in Bloom Awards are sponsored by ESB Moneypoint, Roche Ireland and Shannon Development.
Meanwhile, Councillor Patricia McCarthy, Cathaoirleach of the Housing Social and Cultural SPC, presented the awards for the Best Kept Local Authority Estates Competition 2012.
The overall winner of this year’s competition is Cappa Lodge, Sixmilebridge which was awarded an engraved limestone plaque, a cheque for €600 and the Mary Hennessy Memorial Award.
Individual awards were also presented to Derryvinna, Clonlara (best new entrant); Church Drive/Aonach an Chláir, Clarecastle (most improved estate); Riverview, Tuamgraney (judges’ special award) and Connaught Road, Scariff (best youth involvement).
Best Kept Estate Award Winners 2012 were: Category 1 (1-30 houses): 1. Lower Main Sreet, Tulla; 2. St Joseph’s Road, Ballyvaughan; 3. Bishop’s Murphy Park, Parteen, while high commended were Lackyle, Whitegate; Cluain Chormaic, Kildysart; An t-Aonach, Kilfenora and Finnuremore Park, Mullagh.
In Category 2 (31-50 Houses): 1. Connaught Road, Scariff; joint 2: Riverview, Tuamgraney and Station Road, Lahinch; 3. Millstream, Killaloe. Highly commended was Derryvinna, Clonlara and commended were Clarehill, Clarecastle  and Lus na Sí, Mullagh Road, Miltown Malbay.
In Category 3 (50+ houses) the winners were Cappa Lodge, Sixmilebridge from Ballard Road, Miltown Malbay and Marian Estate, Kilkee. Church Drive/Aonach an Chláir, Clarecastle was highly commended.
Councillor Patricia McCarthy commended the residents in each of the estates for their achievements, which involved the enhancement of the appearance and presentation of dwellings and open spaces within their estates.
“We cannot underestimate the value and contribution being made by the residents’ associations throughout the county. We must also acknowledge the difficult financial climate, which these groups are working within and these awards are recognition of their continued commitment.
“I am delighted to see that the council is continuing to pledge its commitment to implementing an estate management strategy to improve the appearance of estates and indeed, the quality of life of the residents within their estates. This strategy is very much dependant on involvement of residents so much so that it will not be successful without their co-operation and involvement,” added Councillor McCarthy.