Ballinahown is Ireland's tidiest town!

Ballinahown has been named Ireland's Tidiest Town at the SuperValu National Tidy Towns Awards this lunchtime.

It's the first time Ballinahown won the top overall national award.

Earlier in the ceremony, the village on the Westmeath/Offaly border, but which competes in the Westmeath section, had taken the Ireland's Tidiest Village category award, going forward as one of four finalists for the overall award.

At a ceremony in Croke Park , Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary announced Ballinahown as the winner of the overall award.

Ballinahown also took a special national Water and Communities Award as well as being chosen as the county award winner for Westmeath and the Midlands & East regional winner.

Geashill has once again been named as the county winner at the SuperValu National Tidy Towns Awards this lunchtime.

The village also received a gold medal, along with Birr and Tullamore.

A silver medal went to Clonbullogue, whilst Ballycumber took a bronze medal and Kilcormac an endeavour award.

Cllr 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."

Cllr Murray said the awards also 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."

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.

Concluding, Cllr Murray 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.

"Congratulations to all the winners and, most importantly, thank you to every volunteer who makes Offaly a better place to live."