Estates clean up in local competition

THE estates of Carlton Court and Knocksedan Demesne are the pride of Swords after being announced as joint winners of a local competition.

Both estates received 85 points from a possible 90 in Swords Tidy Towns’ Tidy Estates competition, held in conjunction with Greyhound Household.  

Highfields (80 points) and St Andrew’s (79 points) came second and third respectively. A total of 15 estates entered this year’s competition. 

Additionally, Balintrane Woods, Glebe Hill, Glen Ellen/Sandford Woods and Rivervalley Lawn won badges of merit.

The winners receive €250 each, plus a free skip and a winners’ plaque, second and third receive a free skip and plaque, and those who won a badge of merit receive a plaque. 

Ken Duffy, Chair of Swords Tidy Towns, described this year's entries as incredible. 

"We saw an enormous improvement in the presentation of the estates compared to last year with all making a huge effort to improve common areas and gardens,” said Mr Duffy.

“We found it impossible to separate the joint winners. This is a very important competition for us in terms of the overall national competition. 

“Swords won a silver medal last year and the estates competition should help us improve on that. Congratulations to all."

John Brosnan, Managing Director of Greyhound Group, said: "We have run several Tidy Estates’ competitions around Dublin and the standard in Swords is of the highest order. 

“We know how much hard work and effort the Swords Tidy Towns committee puts in and it's no surprise that Swords is scoring very highly in the national competition. 

“Congratulations to all the entries and we hope to welcome more estates into the competition next year.”