Communities across the County were honoured at the 2009 Community Environmental Awards ceremony, which was held at Aras Chontae an Chlair in Ennis this evening.
Ballynacally was named as the overall winner of the ‘Clare In Bloom’ competition, scoring highly in the landscaping, range of planting, colour and litter control categories. Mayor of Clare Cllr. Tony Mulcahy presented the Ballynacally Development Association with a cheque of 1500 euro.
The annual competition is a motivational mechanism for the many small local based groups throughout the county to enhance the visual impact of their towns and villages by means of flower, tree and shrub planting. Judging takes place from mid July to mid August, considers such factors as colour, size, variety, location and appropriateness of the various planting schemes along with the management of litter. Categories are based on population size with a first, second and third prize in each category of 1000 euro, 400 euro and 200 euro respectively.
This year’s competition attracted marks towards waste prevention, maintaining bring banks and energy initiatives.
Category 1 was won by Kilrush Tidy Towns Committee, who finished ahead of Quin Development Committee (2nd) and Shannon Tidy Towns (3rd). St. Mary’s Community Development in Lissycasey was named the winner of Category 2, with Kildysart Tidy Towns and Kilmihil Tidy Towns achieving second and third places, respectively. Category 3 was won by Ballyvaughan Tidy Towns with Knock Tidy Village Committee in second and Labasheeda Community Pride in third.
Special Endeavour Awards went to Lisdoonvarna and Bridgetown. Lisdoonvarna, renowned for its matchmaking festival and dancing, impressed the judges with the couple dancing at the Square surrounded by flowers in bloom creating a sense of vibrancy. Picturesque Bridgetown also impressed the judges with the overall appearance of the village, which was a blaze of colour during the adjudicating period. Judges were also impressed by the imaginative use of the bicycle.
The Mayor’s Environmental Award, together with perpetual trophy for 2009 and a cheque for 1,000 euro, was awarded to Tuamgraney Development Association. The historic village of Tuamgraney was a blaze of colour during the adjudicating period. Judges concluded that community spirit and pride of place were clearly evident in this village.
Addressing those in attendance at the awards ceremony, Mayor of Clare Cllr. Tony Mulcahy said it was heart warming to see the excitement and pride of all participating communities.
He continued: “The Clare In Bloom competition would not exist without the strong sense of community spirit that exists throughout Clare. The county would also be missing out on the care, pride and colour that is so evident from the efforts of participating towns and villages. Clare County Council hopes to continue to enjoy a positive and co-operative working relationship with local groups. By working together, there is a greater chance of success in protecting the environment.”
According to Councillor Joe Arkins, Chairperson of the Environmental and Water Services Strategic Policy Committee: “Community groups the length and breadth of Clare are doing excellent work to improve the environment around us. I would encourage more groups to get involved with the Tidy Towns competition, in which we have been performing exceptionally well during recent years. Information on how to register for the national competition is available from the Environment Section of Clare County Council.”
Betty Devanny, Administrative Officer with Clare County Council acknowledged the generous contributions received from the sponsors of the awards.
“I would like to thank ESB Moneypoint, Roche Ireland and Shannon Development whose continuing support enables Clare County Council to award prizes worthy of the effort shown by applicants”, Ms. Devanny stated.
Ballynacally was named as the overall winner of the ‘Clare In Bloom’ competition, scoring highly in the landscaping, range of planting, colour and litter control categories. Mayor of Clare Cllr. Tony Mulcahy presented the Ballynacally Development Association with a cheque of 1500 euro.
The annual competition is a motivational mechanism for the many small local based groups throughout the county to enhance the visual impact of their towns and villages by means of flower, tree and shrub planting. Judging takes place from mid July to mid August, considers such factors as colour, size, variety, location and appropriateness of the various planting schemes along with the management of litter. Categories are based on population size with a first, second and third prize in each category of 1000 euro, 400 euro and 200 euro respectively.
This year’s competition attracted marks towards waste prevention, maintaining bring banks and energy initiatives.
Category 1 was won by Kilrush Tidy Towns Committee, who finished ahead of Quin Development Committee (2nd) and Shannon Tidy Towns (3rd). St. Mary’s Community Development in Lissycasey was named the winner of Category 2, with Kildysart Tidy Towns and Kilmihil Tidy Towns achieving second and third places, respectively. Category 3 was won by Ballyvaughan Tidy Towns with Knock Tidy Village Committee in second and Labasheeda Community Pride in third.
Special Endeavour Awards went to Lisdoonvarna and Bridgetown. Lisdoonvarna, renowned for its matchmaking festival and dancing, impressed the judges with the couple dancing at the Square surrounded by flowers in bloom creating a sense of vibrancy. Picturesque Bridgetown also impressed the judges with the overall appearance of the village, which was a blaze of colour during the adjudicating period. Judges were also impressed by the imaginative use of the bicycle.
The Mayor’s Environmental Award, together with perpetual trophy for 2009 and a cheque for 1,000 euro, was awarded to Tuamgraney Development Association. The historic village of Tuamgraney was a blaze of colour during the adjudicating period. Judges concluded that community spirit and pride of place were clearly evident in this village.
Addressing those in attendance at the awards ceremony, Mayor of Clare Cllr. Tony Mulcahy said it was heart warming to see the excitement and pride of all participating communities.
He continued: “The Clare In Bloom competition would not exist without the strong sense of community spirit that exists throughout Clare. The county would also be missing out on the care, pride and colour that is so evident from the efforts of participating towns and villages. Clare County Council hopes to continue to enjoy a positive and co-operative working relationship with local groups. By working together, there is a greater chance of success in protecting the environment.”
According to Councillor Joe Arkins, Chairperson of the Environmental and Water Services Strategic Policy Committee: “Community groups the length and breadth of Clare are doing excellent work to improve the environment around us. I would encourage more groups to get involved with the Tidy Towns competition, in which we have been performing exceptionally well during recent years. Information on how to register for the national competition is available from the Environment Section of Clare County Council.”
Betty Devanny, Administrative Officer with Clare County Council acknowledged the generous contributions received from the sponsors of the awards.
“I would like to thank ESB Moneypoint, Roche Ireland and Shannon Development whose continuing support enables Clare County Council to award prizes worthy of the effort shown by applicants”, Ms. Devanny stated.
