1.
Pictured: Clonaslee Tidy Towns represented by Maura O'Gorman, Patrick Blake, Fr T O'Reilly and John Callaghan, with the Cathaoirleach Laois County Council. The judges found the village awash with colour with Floral displays and Flags on the day of adjudication. The blue/yellow flags were to acknowledge the Ukrainian people living in the community. The planting of geraniums around the Heritage Centre was very vibrant. The beautiful, manicured Parterre box hedging to the rear of the building was spectacular. The judges admired the soft colour painting on the benches and door at the centre. Clonaslee score highly across all categories and the judges were really impressed with the village.
2.
Pictured: Clough Tidy Town represented by Canice and Olga Hyland with the Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council at the Midlands Park Hotel. Clough is a small village with a very rich history. The judges felt it was a delight to see such a charming and well-presented village. The native wildlife patch was noted. What was most impressive was the wonderful pollinator friendly raised beds throughout the village. Bees and butterflies were in abundance. The rudbeckia in particular is much loved by bees because they are attracted to the colour yellow. The judges felt it was clear that the community have a great sense of pride in the place they live.
3.
Pictured: Killasmeestia Tidy Towns represented by Yvonne Porter and Ann Wall Rossmore with Cllr Connell The judges said Killasmeestia is a very small village with a very Big Heart, and is evident from the Map on display in the graveyard, which has records of the deceased listed on the wall. The judges also found that it is a great example of how other communities could document the burial places of their loved ones.
4.
Pictured: Abbeyleix Tidy Towns were represented by Robbie Quinn (Chairperson) and Mary White (Secretary) with Cllr Connell The judges noted that the stone planters at the entrance to the library were a stunning new feature to an already carefully curated and well executed landscaping and floral displays in the town of Abbeyleix. Abbeyleix Tidy Towns were announced as winners of their category at the IPB Pride of Place awards recently in the INEC, Killarney. The judges said that this is one of the finest examples in the island of Ireland, of community development enhancing the everyday lives of the local population and visitors alike.