Cork celebrated a resounding victory at the Supervalu Tidy Towns awards, with Ballincollig taking home the coveted title of Ireland’s Tidiest Town for 2024. This marks Ballincollig’s 12th consecutive gold medal, solidifying their position as a champion of community spirit and environmental responsibility.
Ballincollig: 12 Years of Excellence
Held annually, the Supervalu Tidy Towns competition recognizes communities across Ireland for their dedication to beautification, sustainability, and community engagement. Ballincollig’s win, announced at a packed ceremony in Croke Park, highlights their unwavering commitment to continuous improvement. Committee members Diarmuid Horgan, Ger Keogh, Garret Kelleher, and Jimmy Shorten emphasized the collective effort behind their success.
“This is very much a community and team effort,” said Horgan. Keogh praised the volunteers who dedicate their time, often on Sundays, to litter picking and maintaining the town’s pristine environment. He highlighted the growing issue of discarded vapes, stating, “Vapes are a scourge. We’re picking up hundreds of them.”
However, the committee isn’t letting waste go to waste. They’ve implemented a recycling program, separating batteries, aluminum casings, and plastic components for responsible disposal.
Kelleher attributed their consistent success to “years of continuous improvement” and acknowledged their collaboration with the local national school, which harvests rainwater for irrigation. They also paid tribute to Tony Whelan, a dedicated volunteer who passed away two years ago, whose contributions to the community garden and water harvesting initiatives continue to inspire.
Celebrating Cork’s Green Champions
Cork County Council celebrated 26 medals awarded to towns and villages across the county, demonstrating the region’s dedication to environmental stewardship. Ballineen and Enniskeane TidyTowns Association received the National Winner of the Waters and Communities Award.
Other notable winners include:
- Ballinahown, Co. Westmeath: Ireland’s Tidiest Village
- Blackrock, Co. Louth: Ireland’s Tidiest Small Town
- Westport, Co. Mayo: Ireland’s Tidiest Large Town
Minister Heather Humphreys congratulated Ballincollig, stating, “This is a truly great achievement and a special moment of immense pride for Ballincollig and indeed the wider county of Cork. Having first entered the competition in the 1960s, Ballincollig today continues to showcase all that is good about innovation, sustainability, community spirit and volunteerism. This is at the core of what the competition is all about.”
Join the Movement
Inspired by Ballincollig’s success? Consider joining your local Tidy Towns committee and contribute to making your community a more beautiful and sustainable place. Together, we can make a difference!