News Release -
Shannon Region scoops 26 Awards in National TidyTowns Competition
The inspirational work of Tidy Town’s Committees throughout the Shannon Region in enhancing the environment was applauded today (Monday 16th November ‘09), at the Shannon Region TidyTowns award presentation ceremony held in Bunratty Folk Park Co. Clare.
A range of TidyTowns Awards were presented to the Committees by Mr Tony Killeen TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Willie Lyons, Business Development Director, SuperValu, the overall competition sponsor, and Dr. Vincent Cunnane, Chief Executive Shannon Development. The Competition is organised nationally by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and is co-ordinated in the Shannon Region by Shannon Development, the regional tourism authority for the Shannon Region.
In congratulating everyone involved, the Minister said, “With the economic pressures on people today, it is a tribute to all Tidy Towns Committees that, despite these pressures, you continue to accomplish so much and these awards represent recognition of the hard work and effort you have expended on behalf of your communities.”
In all, the Shannon Region won 26 TidyTowns Awards in the national competition, with Ennis Co. Clare winning the overall Shannon Region Tidy Towns Award. Ennis also scooped two national awards in the competition, the title of Ireland’s Tidiest Large Urban Centre and also the national Gum Litter Taskforce Award.
The annual Awards ceremony is organised by Shannon Development, who administer and promote the National TidyTowns Competition in the Shannon Region.
Commending the commitment of all Shannon Region Tidy Towns Committees Dr. Vincent Cunnane, Chief Executive, Shannon Development said, “Tidy Towns has grown into a competition which has delivered positive economic benefits in a range of areas from industry and environment, to tourism and fostering community spirit. We all owe a huge debt of gratitude to the army of people involved in Tidy Towns who each year take to the towns, villages and countryside to ensure that their area is looking its best. This year’s event attracted over 120 entrants from all over the region which demonstrates the unwavering and selfless commitment of our Tidy Towns Committees to their communities.”
Speaking at the Awards ceremony Willie Lyons, Business Development Director SuperValu said: “On behalf of all our 194 SuperValu store owners nationwide and in particular our store owners here in the Shannon region I would like to congratulate everyone who participated in Tidy Towns this year. This competition is not just about improving our local areas; it is about working together and building a community spirit and making Ireland a better place to live. SuperValu together with its 194 independent local store owners is, through the continued sponsorship of Tidy Towns, committed to helping build vibrant local communities. I am delighted to congratulate this years winners, but to also recognise the commitment and dedication of all Tidy Towns committees who make such a real difference in their local communities.”
The Shannon Development TidyTowns ‘Personality Award’, always a closely guarded secret until the Awards ceremony, was unveiled at the event by John Quinlivan, Shannon Development’s Visitor Services Manager, who was the MC for the Awards ceremony. This special annual Award was instigated in 2000 by Shannon Development to acknowledge long-service and commitment by an individual working voluntarily for the benefit of their community.
“This year Shannon Development chose Noel Hogan from Adare Tidy Towns Committee in Co. Limerick. Noel received the Award for his pivotal role in Adare’s success in the TidyTowns Competition. From Adare’s National Title win in 1976 to the present day, Noel continues to make a marvellous contribution to the Tidy Towns effort. His outstanding commitment to ethos of Tidy Towns has been superb and he is a wonderful role model for Tidy Town’s volunteers throughout the country,” said Mr. Quinlivan.
Tidy Towns Committees throughout the Shannon Region received a pleasant surprise when they were presented with a sapling tree at the Awards ceremony compliments of Coillte.
SHANNON REGION TIDY TOWNS AWARDS WINNERS
Overall the Shannon Region scooped 2 national awards in the Competition and 26 regional awards:
CO. CLARE TIDY TOWNS AWARDS WINNERS:
Ennis Co. Clare scooped the overall Shannon Region Tidy Towns Award. Ennis also won two National titles in the Competition, Ireland’s Tidiest Large Urban Centre (with an Award of €5,000) and also the national Gum Litter Taskforce Award (with an Award of €1,000). In addition Ennis won the Regional ’Notice Nature’ Biodiversity Award. Sixmilebridge National School, won the Shannon Region Schools Award (with a €750 award). This year’s SuperValu Endeavour Award of €500 went to Lissycasey.
In the County Awards section, Ennis was the winner in Co. Clare (receiving an award of €900), with Ballynacally winning a Highly Commended Award of €700, and with Kilrush receiving a Commended Award of €400.
In the Medal Awards, Ennis and Kilrush won Gold Medal Awards in their population categories (receiving €900 each). A silver medal went to Ballynacally (with an €700 Award). Kilkee and Mountshannon won Bronze medals with an award of €400 each.
CO. LIMERICK TIDY TOWNS AWARD WINNERS:
The Best Bring Bank Award went to Mountpelier Community Centre, Co. Limerick with a prize of €1,000. This year’s SuperValu Endeavour Award of €500 went once again to Kilbehenny, Co. Limerick
In the County Awards section, Adare again came out as overall Co. Limerick Award winner (receiving an award of €900), with Galbally receiving a Highly Commended Award and an award of €700, and Ardpatrick Commended (receiving an award of €400). In the Medal Awards, Adare Co. Limerick won a silver medal receiving €700. Noel Hogan from Adare Tidy Towns Committee was awarded the Shannon Development ‘Personality Award’
NORTH TIPPERARY TIDY TOWNS AWARD WINNERS:
Birdhill scooped a Gold Medal in the competition receiving an award of €900
This year’s SuperValu Endeavour Award of €500 went to Templemore.
Pictured at the Shannon Region Tidy Towns Awards presentation in Bunratty Folk Park are;(L-R) Dr Vincent Cunnane, Chief Executive Shannon Development, Tony Killeen TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food with 6 year old Saoirse Downes, Sinead Cahill (7) and Ella Moran-Maxwell (7).
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