Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr Wayne Harding, warmly welcomed the guests, who represented over 245 groups throughout the county “this is a great night of celebration and I would like to congratulate everyone here this evening, including those at home, on their achievements over the last 12 months, it is wonderful to see that the initiative is growing each year with an increase in the number of groups taking part again in 2019” he said.
Meath County Council Chief Executive, Jackie Maguire, thanked the groups for the vital work undertaken out of dedication to their communities and commented that the county had been recognised at national level this year in the Tidy Towns competition, where there were increases in marks across the board and an overall increase of 200 points for the county “We fully appreciate your work and your commitment to making our county look its best, and we will continue to support your ongoing efforts to create strong, vibrant and sustainable communities” said Ms. Maguire
A new category, “Community Age Friendly Initiative” was introduced into the 2019 competition for each Municipal District and proved to be a popular category with a wide range of very worthwhile projects put forward for consideration. The projects undertaken around the county demonstrate the value of collaboration, inclusion and the wealth of knowledge and experience that is to be both gained and imparted between all ages.
The highlight of the night was the joint award to Dunboyne Tidy Towns and Julianstown & District Community Association Ltd in the Nature / Wildlife category. Both groups have carried out brilliant work to help promote, protect and enhance the nature and wildlife in their towns. Áine Mulvey from ABC Preschool and who is a member of the Dunboyne’s Poo Paw Patrol was on hand to accept their award.
Full List of Award Winners:
Housing Estate Small
- Winner: Bridge View
Housing Estate Medium
- Winner: Elmview Close
- Runner Up: Abbey View
Housing Estate Large
- Winner: Gardencity & Crestwood Estate
- Runner Up: Carne Hill
- Runner Up: Cherryhill
Residential Streetscape
- Trim Tidy Towns
Village/ Townland >500
- Kilbride Tidy Towns Group
Small Town 500 – 2000
- Joint Winner: Slane Tidy Towns
- Joint Winner: Bettystown Tidy Towns
Large Town > 2000
- Dunshaughlin Tidy Towns Group
Youth Project
- Meath Comhairle na nÓg
Watercourse Amenity
- Enfield Tidy Towns
Grow Your Own
- Athboy Community Allotments Group
Heritage
- Donaghmore Round Tower & Graveyard Conservation Committee
Nature/Wildlife
- Joint Winner: Dunboyne Tidy Towns Association
- Joint Winner: Julianstown & District Community Association Ltd
Vacant Premises
- Nobber Pride of Place
Hospitality/Tourism
- Nobber Pride of Place
Meath County Council would also like to wish the very best of luck to the groups who will be representing Meath at the Co-Operation Ireland National Pride of Place awards in Lyrath Estate, Kilkenny on Saturday 30th November. These groups are:
- Dunboyne Tidy Towns - Population over 5000 category
- Girley Bog Meitheal - Creative Place Initiative category
- Newcastle Woods Residents Association, Enfield – Housing Estate category