Tidy Towns look back on incredible period at AGM
LISTOWEL Tidy Towns reflected on an incredible period at their recent and 26th AGM in St Patrick’s Hall, from winning the national crown in 2018 to the subsequent visit to Listowel by President Michael D Higgins last year marking the win, and much, much more – not least the Entente Florale!
But none of it could have happened without the support and hard work of the general public of Listowel – who were thanked profusely by the outgoing officers on the night.
Fianna Fáil councillor Jimmy Moloney takes up the mantle as chairperson of the committee once more, with the new positions as follows: Chairman Jimmy Moloney; Vice- Chair Julie Gleeson; Secretary Mary Hanlon; Joint Treasurers Breda McGrath and Eileen Worths; PRO Jackie Barrett Madigan; School Liason Officers Imelda Murphy and Mary Hanlon.
Paddy Keane, Peter McGrath, Bill O’Neill, Micheal Caffrey and Seamus O’Connor comprise the Biodiversity/River Walk committee; with the Landscaping Committee comprised now of Daisy Foley, Joan Byrne and Michael Caffrey. Trustees meanwhile are Mary Hanlon, Eileen Worths, Breda McGrath, Julie Gleeson, Jimmy Moloney and Jackie Barrett-Madigan.
In their reflections on the bright and busy period just gone, they said it had been a ‘privilege’ to have hosted President Michael D Higgins and his wife, Sabina, in Listowel.
“We were privileged to welcome President Michael D Higgins and his wife, Sabina, to our town as he unveiled our sculpture and plaque in the Town Square following our massive win of 2018, when we were named the Tidiest Town in Ireland,” Jackie Barrett-Madigan said.
“2019 saw us bring home our 12th Gold medal in the National Tidy Towns competition, and we were also honoured as Listowel represented Ireland in the Entente Florale European competition in Austria. We were so proud as our Chairperson Julie and Secretary Mary returned from Austria to Listowel with a silver medal and a special award for our beautiful town Park. Silver and gold to bestow on any town at such a level is phenomenal. It’s truly an honour and something to be extremely proud of.”
RTÉ’s Nationwide visited Listowel on two separate occasions, selling Lovely Listowel to the nation and beyond, in another incredible distinction for the Tidiest Town. “Many thanks to everyone who put their shoulder to the wheel and made sure that this little marketing town in North Kerry shone at its best,” Jackie said.
2019 also saw the introduction of a new Junior Tidy Towns team, described as a ‘ Trojan’ group deeply interested in their community. Listowel Tidy Towns said it was ‘ thrilled to have them come on board and would encourage more young people to join up’.
Now, Listowel is looking to maintain its gold standard well into the future, with a special appeal for new volunteers to keep the ball rolling in the Tidy Towns stakes.
“When you get to the high standard Listowel has reached, it is often difficult to keep the momentum going. However the enthusiasm and dedication within this working group is one to be admired. There is always room for improvement and always a plea for more volunteers. Remember, Listowel Tidy Towns group is a community group, working for and with the community and its future,” Jackie said.