A Laois Tidy Towns committee were invited to an audience with president Michael D. Higgins, in acknowledgement of their hard work.

With presidential-elect Catherine Connolly due to take office, this audience with president Higgins was one of the last of his career.

Abbeyleix Tidy Towns were welcomed to the Áras on Friday November 7, where they had a 'fantastic day', according to Tidy Towns Chairperson Robbie Quinn.

Pictured: Abbeyleix Tidy Towns members laughing with President Michael D. Higgins

"It was fabulous froom start to finish, we travelled up with Ballincollig Tidy Towns and shared a bus to promote sustainable travel," Mr Quinn told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"We won the Tidy Towns compitition in 2023, and Ballincollig won it in 2024, but unfortunately due to the passing of the Pope, the President could not host us at the time. President Higgins wanted to ensure that we were acknowledged for our hard work, so we were invited to meet him," he explained.

"He and Sabine are in the process of moving out- when we arrived, we could see that some of the furniture had been taken away, they are moving out on Monday. They couldn't have been more hospitable, welcoming us in for photos, a tour and some lovely refreshments," Mr Quinn praised.

"Unfortunately due to number restrictions we could only bring 15 committee members, and Ballincollig were the same. It was a lovely occasion, the president presented each of us with a copy of his publication Machnamh, 100 presidential centenary reflections. It was really lovely, and it was great to get the tour of the house and hear the history."

Pictured: Abbeyleix Tidy Towns members receive a tour of the Áras

When welcoming the two Tidy Towns groups, President Higgins spoke as gaeilge, and the groups each presented him with a gift from their locality.

"We presented the president with local produce that had recently won gold in Blás na hÉireann, G's Jams and Temptation Chocolates. It was a bit tongue in cheek of us, but we suggested that we would give him foods that he could eat before he moves, that he wouldn't have to pack away," Mr Quinn joked.

"We also presented Ballincollig with some produce, as a thank you for sharing the bus with us, in keeping with Tidy Town's sustainability."

Abbeyleix Tidy Towns were delighted to have received such acknowledgement from the president, who presented them with a commemorative plaque in honour of their hard work and achievements.

"The staff and the president were extremely hospitable. President Higgins has grown a bit frail, and he is looking forward to his retirement," Mr Quinn said.

"The staff couldn't have been more hospitable, and we were delighted to get photographs in the state rooms. We have made a lot of memories that we will be delighted to share with the committee. 

"I'm particularly delighted for some of our longstanding members to get the recognition. It is easy for me to have joined seven years ago and taken up the mantle as chairman, but it is the longer standing members who have worked a lot longer than I have who deserve the recognition for their hard work," he said.

"Everyone played their part, and we are delighted to return home with the plaque, we look forward to erecting it on one of the buildings in the town," Mr Quinn finished.

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