Youghal, Co. Cork was awarded the Gold Medal in the prestigious Supervalu Tidy Towns Competition for 2017. It is the first time the town has received gold in its 29 year history of entering the competition. The award demonstrates a serious statement by the entire town and its overall ambitions of becoming Ireland’s tidiest town.
Youghal scored a total of 318 points, which was an increase of 7 points on 2016 scores. In their detailed report the adjudicators commended Youghal on its 29 years of involvement in the competition and acknowledged the unceasing efforts of the hard working voluntary group – The Youghal Tidy Towns Committee, led by Chairperson, Ned Brennan. In summing up the Youghal effort, adjudicators remarked “We are delighted to see that it is all coming together for Youghal, with significant improvements visible in the town centre. Your town is a pleasure to visit. Keep up the good work and we look forward to returning in 2018”.
Commenting on the result, Helen Mulcahy, Senior Staff Officer of Cork County Council’s East Cork Municipal District said “Cork County Council and particularly the East Cork Municipal District are absolutely thrilled with Youghal’s Gold Medal success in this year’s National Tidy Towns Competition. Youghal is very fortunate to have a Tidy Towns Association that is so dedicated, determined and passionate about the town. The East Cork Municipal District has worked in partnership with the Tidy Towns for many years and both organisations recognise the value of collaboration and co-operation. The Town is a credit, not only to the volunteers, but also to the hard working staff of Cork County Council and the many other residents and community groups who work hard to make Youghal a beautiful place to live, work or visit. Youghal has been the recipient of many silver medals over the years and indeed bronze medals for the last couple of years, but the Gold has eluded us up until now – to achieve this standard is recognition at last for all of the hard work. The title of Ireland’s Tidiest Town may not be that far away!
Birdhill, Co. Tipperary was awarded Ireland’s Tidiest Town for 2017. Birdhill was named best of a record 870 towns and villages throughout the country that entered this year’s Super Valu National Tidy Towns competition. The announcement was greeted with great celebration at the awards ceremony at The Helix in Dublin on 25th September 2017.