Gold medal success for Tidy Towns groups

COMMUNITIES across the Northside were celebrating last week following their achievements in this year’s National Tidy Towns competition.

While Kilkenny claimed the top prize nationally, the big winners in the capital were once again Malahide and Skerries.

The two scenic seaside towns, jewels on the Northside, both won gold medals in their respective categories.

Skerries won the overall Dublin award while Malahide came second in the county awards category.

Malahide Tidy Towns said they were pleased to be reinstated as gold medal winners this year.

“It’s a great accolade for Malahide and recognition for all the hard work by volunteers and businesses alike,

? said Gerry Rafferty, chairman of Malahide Tidy Towns.

“If it wasn’t for the hard work of residents’ groups, volunteers, support from Fingal County Council, local business and Fingal partnership, this gold would not be possible.

“I would like to say a big thank you to all involved.

“There are only 36 gold medals awarded out of 849 entrants and we can all be very proud of Malahide. It’s a great achievement and we’re looking forward to next year’s competition.

?

Dublin North TD Alan Farrell (FG) congratulated the Tidy Towns organisations in both Malahide and Skerries on their respective successes.

“These awards are testament to the hard work undertaken in the local communities of each of these towns,

? he said.

“These awards recognise the commitment of those involved with the local Tidy Towns organisations and their diligent work in keeping their local areas tidy which enhances the tourism potential of our communities.

“It is very encouraging to see two towns in the north county claiming both the first place and second place spots in Dublin.

“I would also like to acknowledge the hard work undertaken by the Tidy Towns groups and local communities in Swords, Rush, Lusk and Balbriggan who all received highly respectable scores in this year’s competition.

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Deputy Farrell congratulated his Fine Gael colleague, long standing Malahide Tidy Towns volunteer, Cllr Anthony Lavin.

“Anthony can be rightly proud of his involvement alongside so many other committed volunteers right across the county,

? he added.