Local groups recognised at national Tidy Towns awards ceremony
A number of groups in County Offaly were recognised with special and county awards at the 2025 SuperValu TidyTowns awards ceremony held in Croke Park Dublin today (Friday).
Groups have been working tirelessly in their local communities as they strive to improve their area and improve upon their competition marks from previous years.
Crinkill Tidy Village Group was announced as the overall national runner-up the Climate Action award.
This award recognises local communities for their efforts in addressing climate change, encouraging towns and villages to implement and showcase one key, lasting initiative that makes a positive contribution to climate challenges, such as promoting sustainability, biodiversity, and resource efficiency.
Ballycumber Tidy Towns were the recipients of the Bat Mural accolade in the Bat Conservation Ireland Special Awards category.
Meanwhile, Clara Tidy Towns claimed third place in the Town Centre First Special Award category.
This award recognises towns making exemplary efforts in regenerating their town centres crediting Tidy Towns groups for their work in improving their local environment and, specifically, in addressing issues like vacancy and dereliction.
The community of Geashill claimed the county first and gold medal award in its population category (201-1,000), Clonbollogue achieving the silver medal award in the same category.
The town of Birr won the county second and gold medal in its population category (2,501-5,000).
Meanwhile, Tullamore received the county third and gold medal in its population category (15,001-25,000).
The County Awards are awarded to the first, second and third placed entrant in each county.
The Kilcormac community were recognised with the Endeavour Award which is given to the entrant with the biggest percentage improvement on their previous year's score.
Meanwhile Westmeath/Offaly border village Ballinahown, winners of the prestigious title of Ireland's Tidiest Village in 2024, did not retain their award, but the local Community Development Group were announced as the overall runner-up in the Sustainable Development Goals award category.
This award recognises communities for their efforts in promoting and implementing local initiatives that address the economic, social and environmental aspects of sustainable development, such as supporting charities, improving health and education, reducing inequality, and protecting the climate and biodiversity.
The Supervalu TidyTowns annual competition is a nationwide initiative that encourages communities to enhance the appearance and sustainability of their local areas.
Established in 1958, it promotes civic pride, environmental awareness, and community involvement across Ireland.