LATEST: Kill village pips Naas to become tidiest in Co Kildare

Kildare towns and villages have secured a strong showing in the 2026 SuperValu TidyTowns competition.

Kill claimed first place in Kildare with 410 marks, earning a gold medal.

Naas finished second with 409 marks, also receiving a gold medal, while Straffan took third place with 408 marks and a gold medal.

Broadford achieved 404 marks and a gold medal, while Rathangan scored 404 and Kilcullen received 400 marks, with both also awarded gold medals.

Clane secured a gold medal with 401 marks, while Leixlip and Maynooth also achieved gold medals, scoring 404 and 403 respectively. Celbridge and Newbridge each recorded 400 marks, earning gold medals, while Kildare town scored 376 and Athy received 370 marks.

Johnstownbridge received the county’s Endeavour Award, recognising the entrant that made the greatest percentage improvement on its previous year’s score. The award highlights the value of continued community effort and progress.

Scoil na Mainistreach in Celbridge was named the national winner of the Tiny TidyTowns Schools Award, securing €1,000. The school also won the Midlands and East regional award as part of the competition, which recognises efforts to promote tidiness and environmental awareness among younger generations.

The 2026 competition attracted a record 936 entries from communities nationwide. The results recognise the work of local volunteers and committees in improving their towns and villages, supporting biodiversity and promoting environmental responsibility.

The awards booklet acknowledges all entrants for their hard work and commitment to their areas, with county, regional and special awards celebrating achievements at different levels.

For Kildare, the results showcase a broad spread of achievement, from school-led environmental action in Celbridge to community efforts in towns and villages throughout the county.

Ballinahown, Co. Westmeath, was named Ireland’s Tidiest Town for 2026 at the annual SuperValu TidyTowns awards.

The results were announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary TD at a ceremony in Croke Park, Dublin, on Friday, 23 October. More than 600 volunteers attended the event, which was also livestreamed online.

While Ballinahown secured the overall title, the awards highlight the importance of community participation in maintaining attractive, sustainable towns and villages across Ireland, including those throughout County Kildare.

A record 936 towns entered this year’s competition, which has been running since 1958. The programme recognises the work of local volunteers who dedicate their time to improving public spaces, protecting biodiversity and creating welcoming places to live, work and visit.

Minister Calleary congratulated Ballinahown on its achievement, noting that the village had entered the competition consistently for 40 years and previously won Ireland’s Tidiest Village title in 2024. With a population of approximately 160, the village’s success was attributed to resilience, innovation, sustainability and strong community involvement.

The main category winners included Abbeyleix, Co. Laois, which was named Ireland’s Tidiest Small Town; Buncrana, Co. Donegal, which won Ireland’s Tidiest Large Town; and Tralee, Co. Kerry, which received the award for Ireland’s Tidiest Large Urban Centre. Carraig Airt, Co. Donegal, won the Gaeltacht Award, while Dromiskin, Co. Louth, received the Young Persons in TidyTowns award.

SuperValu, which has sponsored the competition since 1991, highlighted the contribution of more than 31,000 volunteers across 936 committees. According to the retailer, volunteers contributed over one million hours to their communities during the year, demonstrating the scale of grassroots participation nationwide.

The competition is organised by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, in partnership with SuperValu. Full details of the 2026 results are available at www.tidytowns.ie and www.supervalu.ie.