Tidy Towns groups play an invaluable community role in Offaly
Paying tribute to each of the winning areas and all committees in Offaly who take part in the competition, the Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Cllr Declan Harvey said the contribution of these volunteers to their communities was phenomenal.
TIDY TOWNS groups from six areas in Offaly were recognised at last Friday's national Super Valu awards ceremony in Dublin.
Special congratulations goes to Geashill who were honoured as the county winners while Tullamore and Birr were highly commended and received Gold Medals.
A Silver Medal was awarded to Clonbullogue with a Bronze Award going to Ballycumber.
Kilcormac Tidy Towns scooped the Endeavour Award.
The awards highlighted the importance of volunteerism and the contribution local groups make to the wider county.
Tidy Towns is about much more than keeping a place looking well. It's about bringing people together, creating a sense of belonging and encouraging everyone to take pride in where they live.
These volunteers don't do it for medals or awards. They do it because they love their communities and want to make them better for everyone.
Every town and village in Offaly benefits from people with that attitude, and we should never take their contribution for granted.
Paying tribute to each of the winning areas and all committees in Offaly who take part in the competition, the Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Cllr Declan Harvey said the contribution of these volunteers to their communities was phenomenal.
Cathaoirleach of Tullamore Town Council, Cllr Shane Murray, who is heavily involved in Tullamore Tidy Towns, attended the ceremony alongside fellow Tullamore representatives Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh, Georgina Wilson and Mary Droogan. Bernie Taylor Lynch and Eileen Fitzsimons were also in attendance representing Birr Tidy Towns.
Speaking following the awards, Cllr Murray said: "This is a fantastic day for Offaly and a wonderful recognition of the enormous pride people take in their towns and villages right across the county.
"From Geashill to Birr, Tullamore to Clonbullogue, Ballycumber and Kilcormac, these awards are a testament to the hard work, dedication and community spirit that exists throughout Offaly.
"As someone who is actively involved in Tullamore Tidy Towns, I know first-hand the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes. Volunteers are out in all kinds of weather, planting flowers, maintaining green spaces, picking up litter and constantly looking for ways to improve their communities.
"Much of that work goes unnoticed, but without it our towns and villages simply wouldn't be the wonderful places they are today.
"I am particularly proud of Tullamore achieving another Gold Medal and Highly Commended recognition, but today is about celebrating every community across Offaly that has put in the effort throughout the year."
Offaly Fianna Fáil TD Tony McCormack also congratulated the award-winning groups and praised the contribution of volunteers throughout the county.
"Volunteers give so much and ask for so little, and our Tidy Towns groups are among the finest examples of that. I want to congratulate Geashill, Tullamore, Birr, Clonbullogue, Ballycumber and Kilcormac on their achievements. I also want to acknowledge Shane Murray, who puts an enormous amount of time into Tullamore Tidy Towns, and the hundreds of volunteers across Offaly whose dedication makes such a difference to our communities. These awards are richly deserved, and every one of them has done Offaly proud," Deputy McCormack said.
Cllr Murray rightly encouraged people across Offaly to support their local Tidy Towns organisations.
"Whether it's giving an hour of your time, helping with a community project or simply keeping your own street looking well, everyone can play a part.
"We have fantastic communities throughout Offaly, and these awards show what can be achieved when people work together.
Meanwhile an allocation of €35,000 to 22 TidyTowns groups across County Offaly, as part of a €1.5 million national funding package has been announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD.
Deputy John Clendennen said the announcement was a welcome recognition of the tremendous work undertaken by Tidy Towns volunteers throughout Offaly.