High praise for Offaly in Tidy Towns results

Towns and villages across Offaly have been making huge progress in the annual SuperValu Tidy Towns competition, and there was much to be positive about when this year's results were announced last week.

The picturesque village of Geashill once again claimed first place in the county and took the gold medal in its population category (201 to 1,000) with Clonbullogue coming a close second and claiming silver in the same category.

Tullamore retained its gold medal status for a remarkable 11th year in a row when it received the county third place award in its population category (15,001 to 25,000), while the county second place award and gold medal went to Birr in its population category (2,501 to 5,000).

In addition to the county awards, towns and villages across Offaly won a host of individual awards for a selection of one-off initiatives which caught the eye of the Tidy Towns judges, with the awards ranging from climate action and bat conservation to Town Centre First environmental projects.

Crinkill Tidy Village Group was announced as the overall national runner-up for the Climate Action award, with the judges commending the group for its progress on sustainability and biodiversity, from rainwater harvesting to pesticide-free planting and careful pollinator support.

They singled out the Soldier's Garden in the village as “a standout project” and said it was “the highlight” of their visit and had offered “a unique blend of heritage, biodiversity and education.”

Similarily, Ballycumber Tidy Towns was the recipient of the Bat Mural accolade in the Bat Conservation Ireland Special Awards category, while Clara Tidy Towns claimed third place in the Town Centre First Special Award category.

Kilcormac was recognised with the 'Endeavour Award' which is given to the entrant with the biggest percentage improvement on their previous year's score. The marks awarded to Kilcormac this year were 260, compared to 236 last year.

The judges said Kilcormac's Tidy Towns journey this year exemplifies the community's “pride, dedication and creativity” and praised them for a number of key achievements including the transformation of the Fiesta Ballroom into a Green Hub.

The commitment and hard work of the volunteers has made Kilcormac a “better, greener and more welcoming place for all,” the judges remarked.

BIRR

Tidy Towns judges described Birr as "remarkably clean" and noted a "marked decrease" in the number of collected litter bags in the town.

Collected litter bags in Birr were down from 6,389 in 2021 to 3,560 in 2024, which was hailed as a “significant and impressive achievement” by Tidy Towns judges.

“This demonstrates the effectiveness of consistent efforts by St. Brendan’s Environmental Group, local schools, clients from St Anne’s, and Birr Tidy Towns members,” the judges stated in their report, which resulted in Birr increasing its marks from 376 in 2024 to 389 this year.

The judges also remarked that, with 50 bins in Birr which are emptied daily, the town's infrastructure for litter control “is clearly very effective” and they also praised the high standards of tidiness in the town on adjudication day, as well as the residential areas and approach roads.

GEASHILL

One of the jewels in the crown of Tidy Town success for Offaly has been the village of Geashill, which was crowned Ireland's Tidiest Village in 2023. This year Geashill increased its marks to 396, compared to 384 for 2024, with the judges noting that its Tidy Towns journey has been “a shining example” of what strong planning, inclusive engagement and local pride can achieve.

The Rain Garden and the Wetlands in the village were “a standout feature” for the judges on adjudication day, and were an illustration of how “landscape, learning and localism” can come together “in the service of sustainability.”

The village was described by the judges as being “visually attractive, environmentally ambitious and socially inclusive,” and they noted that the application form and map submitted gave a picture of a community working together “with joy and determination”

Also noted was the involvement of a wide cross-section of the community in the village's Tidy Towns journey. Schoolchildren, long-term residents and new arrivals including members of the Ukrainian community, all find space to “contribute in meaningful ways.”

TULLAMORE

The Tidy Towns judges who visited Tullamore earlier this year were “truly impressed” to learn that the dedicated committee of 15 members is supported by “an outstanding 100 volunteers.”

They also noted that social inclusion was “a key strength” of the committee, and added that including volunteers from the local direct provision centre as well as engaging with groups like the Offaly Disability Network was to be commended.

The adjudicators' report suggested that seats be added to the new covered glass bus stops in the town centre “to improve public comfort and an increase in active travel,” and also suggested that the blue paint on most of the disabled parking bays throughout the town needed “freshening up.”

Lloyd Town Park was described as being “amazing” on adjudication day with its “beautiful trees and grass” and unmowed strips for pollinators. The park had very little litter and the fountain area was “particularly appealing,” The Tullamore Wetlands also came in for praise from the judges, and was described as being “very colourful with abundant wildlife, creating a vibrant natural habitat.”

“Tullamore presents as a very clean town, with tidiness and litter control being a clear strength,” said the judges, who also noted that the residents of the housing estates in the town “deserve high praise” for the “wonderful care and attention” they give to their surroundings.