Tidy Tullamore officially launched

The eleventh annual "Tidy Tullamore" competition was officially launched this week at an event in the Tullamore Credit Union building last Tuesday. The main change this year will see judge visits in May, June and July rather than June, July and August. According to Tullamore Credit Union manager Dennis Daly, the change of schedule is a response to feedback received last year. Competitors looking to take part in the competition are asked to signal their intent to do so by downloading an entry form from Tullamore Credit Union's website or picking one up in the branch by the end of next week. At the launch good wishes were extended to competitors from the credit union, Tullamore Town Council and Tullamore Tidy Towns. At the launch Mr Daly said already 38 busniesses, village, estates and streets have entered the competition and it's hoped more will get on board before the competition kicks off. He also explained the reasons behind this year's earlier judge visits. "That's a response to feedback from participants in last year's competition who felt that by the time of the August visit many of the flowers and displays were dying," he said. "In response to that request we want to see them at their best." Reports will be issued this year after visits in May and June, with the final July visit report held back until the competition's August presentation. Chairperson of Tullamore Credit Union Tony Flanagan said he's amazed at the positive response the "Tidy Tullamore" competition generates locally. "All of you who are participating in this competition are to be commended for taking such a keen interest in your surroundings," he said. He also promoted participation as a potential stress buster. "Something like this where you can get out for an hour in the evening, meet your neighbours and have a chat while you pick litter or pull weeds can be a great way of relieving stress," he said. Mr Flanagan also thanked the support the Credit Union gets to run the competition from Tullamore Town Council, Offaly County Council and Tullamore Tidy Towns. He also emphasised the benefit of a tidy town. "It's never been more important to have our town looking well to attract shoppers and tourists," he said. "Having the town litter-free, tidy and colourful will benefit all." Chairperson of Tullamore Town Council Sinead Dooley also spoke on the night, and commended Tullamore Credit Union for continuing the project. "Great credit has to go to them," she said. "Certainly we would be happier if we had more money to give, but unfortunately like everybody else we're finding times tough at the moment as well." Cllr Dooley also commended the work of the council's outdoor staff, who she said work "hand in glove" with local residents' associations. She jokingly questioned whether sabotage might be a feature of the competition as it hots up, but said ultimately everyone is working together. "At the end of the day each and every one of us, whether we're public representatives, members of the credit union, members of the public or members of a residents' association, has one aim: to make Tullamore a better place for us all to live in, work in, visit and do business in," she said. Participants present were reminded that Tullamore Town Council Community Liaison Officer Rose O'Keeffe would be on hand to help them during the course of the competition. Meanwhile Tommy McKeigue from Tullamore Tidy Towns told participants from large estates that sections of grass could be left for wildlife. "You won't be losing marks on that; you'll actually be gaining marks," he said, adding that everyone getting involved in the effort to tidy Tullamore is a leader in their community.