On Friday last Castlebar Tidy Towns hosted its annual awards ceremony in the Linenhall Arts Centre. Local business people and residents from all parts of the town were joined on the evening by a number of guests. In 2016 Castlebar Tidy Towns retained its silver medal award in the national competition and the evening was an opportunity to acknowledge the invaluable contribution of businesses, community groups, and Castlebar residents.
Speaking at the event, Alan Mee, chairperson of Castlebar Tidy Towns, thanked the Tidy Towns volunteers, people of Castlebar, businesses, county council staff, and elected representatives for their continued help and support in improving the appearance of the town. He also outlined some of the initiatives they are working on for 2017 including a campaign called ‘Colour Me Castlebar’ which will inject more colour into the town through flower boxes, hanging baskets and bulb planting. Mr Mee made an appeal to the elected representatives for their help in 2017 to improve the approach roads and signage for the county town.
A number of awards were presented on the night with Lakeshore Drive emerging as the overall SuperValu cup winner for best estate. The best small estate went to Davitt Grove, with Pontoon Drive picking up the best medium sized estate prize.
The best secondary school award went to Davitt College, and St Anthony’s got the prize for the best primary school. Businesses figured prominently throughout the night also with Ann Staunton of Bronntanas receiving the Gnó Maigh Eó award for best new shop front. Joe Togher of Togher Tyres won the best garage award, and Fort Wayne Metals picked up the best industry award. Tolsters pub picked up the best traditional shop front, with The Irish House awarded for its hanging baskets and Lenehan’s for its window boxes.
A special recognition award was made to Adrian Roache of Mayo County Council for his voluntary efforts in flower planting throughout the town and the Outstanding Contribution award went to Jarlath McHale from Mayo Adventure Experience for his work on cleaning the town river. Sean Mullaghy was on hand to present the Michael Mullaghy Environmental Endeavour Award to Declan McGrath of McGrath Waste for its support of community events throughout the town. Eleanor Durkan presented the Liam Durkan memorial award to Joe Butler, founding member of Castlebar Tidy Towns for his lifetime contribution.
