Tidy Towns winners in Westport
THE winners from the West Region of Tidy Towns 2008 were in the limelight once again in Westport on Monday, when they were presented with their awards by Minister of State Michael Kitt.
Tidy Towns awards ceremony brings winners to Westport
Neill O’Neill
THE winners from the West Region of Tidy Towns 2008 were in the limelight once again in Westport yesterday (Monday), when they were presented with their awards by Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Michael Kitt.
At a ceremony in The Wyatt Hotel, the 18 winners of the 29 awards in the West Region – from counties Galway, Mayo and Roscommon – each received cheques and certificates commemorating their achievements. With Westport sweeping the boards in what was the golden jubilee year of the competition, there was also special recognition yesterday for ‘Tidy Towns Heroes’ – Eddie Conway from Ballycroy, Frank Dolan from Westport and Nuala Matthews from Crossmolina.
Acting Manager of Fáilte Ireland West, Brian Quinn, joined Minister Kitt and SuperValu Sales Director Ciaran Levis on stage, and said he was delighted to be in his home town for the awards. Cathaoirleach of Westport Town Council, Cllr Martin Keane, addressed the crowd and said that while Westport can record three national titles and a host of other awards, it is important to realise that every town and village that enters the competition works hard to create a better environment and deserves great credit.
Minister Kitt then took the microphone and spoke of the unprecedented level of entrants for the fiftieth year of Tidy Towns.
“The west and Westport once again led the way,” he said, “with Westport securing their third national title in eight years and winning seven awards in total. The dedication, tireless vision and remarkable efforts of all volunteers involved in Tidy Towns promotes all that is good about community life in Ireland.”