Mallow Tidy Towns group hails hard work of local heroes
THE Mallow Tidy Towns appreciation awards has celebrated the achievements of 15 local businesses, community groups, residents and agencies who were complimented by the 2017 National Tidy judges.
There combined efforts saw Mallow’s overall mark increase by eight points in this year’s competition, an achievement recognised at an appreciation night held last Friday in the Arches Bar.
Business honoured included FDC Accountants for their restoration of the Clockhouse, which judges described as “providing a wonderful imposing structure in such a prominent position.”
DNG Ryan auctioneers and Buckley Brothers were recognised for auctioneers were praised for having “lovely examples of well kept town centre buildings”.
Dan Joe Fitzgerald’s was complemented for their notable example of well-kept buildings on both sides of the road, with the Tidy Towns judge expressing delight at seeing life in the town’s older buildings.
Food Capers was also recognised, with the judge saying they were glad to see such a well-preserved building at the gateway to the Main Street.
The judge found that Carmichael Lane was very well kept with the very bright and inviting Sheehan’s Green Grocery deserving of an appreciation award.
The Dairygold roundabout was also singled out for praise, with the adjudicator commenting that it was “among the most impressive” they had viewed.
The work of residents associations in keeping Mallow clean, tidy and well-maintained was also recognised, with the residents of Ashbrook and Willow Bank receiving awards, while Michael and Breda Walsh of Croke Place and Matt and Toni Cranitch of Lisheen Row were also complimented.
A fairy trail at Tip O’Neill Park made with old timber pallets was complimented by the judge as a very imaginative idea, leading to an appreciation award for its creator Jim O’Keeffe.
Young and old all play a part in improving the town and Mallow Tidy Towns were glad to confer an appreciation award on the Mallow Scout Group, for their volunteer work in helping the cause of tidy towns.
Gerald Harold, Michael Murray and Richard Dempsey accepted the award on the night on behalf of the beavers, cubs, scouts and venturers.
The vital work of statutory agencies in improving Mallow and making it a better place to live and work in was also praised, with Avondhu Blackwater Partnership conferred with an appreciation award for the many years of support it has given to Mallow Tidy Towns.
Finally, the work undertaken by Cork County Council in maintaining the public realm was also recognised, with the authority’s Kanturk/Mallow Municipal District Committee complemented throughout the judging report.
Mallow Tidy Towns welcomed MD Chairperson Timmy Collins, accompanied by senior executive officer Mary Hayes and area engineer accepted the award on behalf of the Council.