Marking Kerry’s Tidy Towns success

KENMARE AND KILLARNEY HONOURED FOR TIDY TOWNS GOLD MEDALS AT LISTOWEL ARMS HOTEL

IT was a vintage year for Tidy Towns groups in Kerry and particularly Listowel, who became overall winners of the prestigious competition in the autumn.

With that honour came further honours, and last week it fell to Listowel to host the SuperValu Mid-West and SouthWest regional awards in the Listowel Arms Hotel.

Listowel again took plaudits for being Ireland’s tidiest town and small town, as well as being honoured as winners of the Department of Rural and Community Development-sponsored Mid-West and South-West Regional award.

Groups from around Kerry, Limerick and Cork were acknowledged also for securing gold, silver or bronze medals in 2018, including gold-medallists Tralee, Kenmare and Killarney.

And on the night, it was Listowel MD Leas Cathaoirleach Councillor Mike Kennelly who presented the wide range of prizes while also offering more than a few kind words for all the groups present.

“It is fantastic to have the opportunity this evening to meet

Tidy Towns groups across this region,” Councillor Kennelly said. “I want to give special mention to Listowel; congratulations on winning the regional title and being named Ireland’s Tidiest Small Town

along with the overall title of Ireland’s Tidiest Town.”

Councillor Kennelly also congratulated Ballincollig in County Cork, gold medallists and winners of Ireland’s Tidiest Large Urban Centre 2018.

LEFT: Sneem Tidy Towns volunteers Joe and Noreen Murphy Regional Award winners of the ‘Lets Get Buzzing Pollinator Award 2018’, which was presented by KCC Biodiversity Officer Cathy Fisher and Cllr Mike Kennelly.BELOW: Kenmare Tidy Towns volunteers Maureen Finnegan and Noel Crowley with KCC Chief Executive Moira Murrell, Cllr Mike Kennelly and Dolores Farrell, SuperValu. Kenmare won a ‘Highly Commended’ award

All photos Valerie O’Sullivan Knightstown Valentia Island Tidy Towns volunteer Patricia Kennedy collecting the ’TidyTowns Bronze Medal Award 2018’, which was presented at The Listowel Arms Hotel by Cllr Mike Kennelly and SuperValu Community and Sponsorship Brand Manager Dolores Farrell.

Sneem Tidy Towns volunteers Joe and Maureen Murphy with their Bronze Medal award, presented by Cllr Mike Kennelly, and Dolores Farrell, SuperValu

Killarney Tidy Towns volunteers Eileen O’Donoghue and Donal Mangan, winners of a ’Tidy Towns Highly Commended’ award.

Portmagee Tidy Towns volunteers Eileen Whelan and Helen Shannon, bronze medal winners.