Blackwater pipped for national title

October 1979

So near and yet so far! That must surely be the catchcry in Blackwater this week following their heartbreak again in the Tidy Towns competition.

For the third year in a row, Blackwater finished in the top three in all of Ireland, but unfortunately again fell short of taking top spot.

It is the worst kept secret around that the most cherished wish of the people of the village is to be selected as Ireland’s tidiest town. That time will certainly come, but when? This year they were pipped by just two marks by the winner, Kilsheelan in Co. Tipperary. Blackwater scored 142, while Kilsheelan scored 144.

It wasn’t all disappointment for the picturesque village, though. Once more, it won its population category award. And it was also the seaside resort winner, a huge fifteen marks ahead of the runner-up in this section, Tramore.

The minor awards are very important, of course, and are very gratifying to the Blackwater Development Committee who put so much work into maintaining the village to such a marvellous condition.

But it is ‘the big one’ which really counts and will continue to be sought after by the villagers, and they have resolved to keep up the good work until they finally claim it.

Meanwhile, Blackwater was complimented at Monday’s meeting of Wexford County Council, but one councillor wondered why how it is that they always do so well without winning the overall prize.

Mr Michael D’Arcy, TD, said that Blackwater had surely done enough by now to secure first place. He hoped their time would come next year.

Another Dáil Deputy, Mr Brendan Corish, said that other parts of the county, particularly the larger towns, could learn from Blackwater’s example. ‘We should redouble our efforts to ensure that there are many more Blackwaters in Co. Wexford next year,’ he said.

Cllr. Jim Walsh said the proposed introduction of litter wardens to the larger towns might help, and he asked the Co. Manager if this might yet happen.

Mr Dillon replied that the response so far to the idea had been ‘poor’ but he added that it was still under consideration.