Outstanding Laois achievements in County Tidy Towns Awards 2024

The 2024 Laois Federation of Tidy Towns Awards were presented at the Laois Community and Voluntary Awards hosted by Laois County Council.

The Laois Federation of Tidy Towns is an organization committed to the preservation and enhancement of our local environment. Established in 1998, the Federation currently comprises 35 dedicated community groups across the county.

This year's Laois Federation of Tidy Towns Awards were adjudicated by the dedicated members of the Laois Federation of Tidy Towns Committee over the summer months. 

Before the awards were presented, the audience at the gala event was told that Tidy Towns groups are the backbone of our communities, consisting of passionate volunteers who have tirelessly worked to conserve and beautify their local environments for many years.  

The Laois Federation of Tidy Towns, which is unique to Laois, is supported by Laois County Council serves as a support network for these community-driven initiatives, fostering a culture of mutual encouragement and the exchange of valuable knowledge and experiences among its members.

The awards ceremony took place at the Midlands Park Hotel on November 8.

The first award of the night is Best Streetscape. And the award goes to Ballacolla Tidy Towns. MORE BELOW PICTURE

Ballacolla Tidy Towns members - accept the award from Laois County Council Cathaoirleach Padraig Fleming.

The first winner was Ballacolla for Best Streetscape! As always, it's a delight to walk around the village, especially with the addition of a beautiful new notice board and a fantastic three-tier planter filled with vibrant flowers. The uncut grass verges along the approach roads show real commitment to biodiversity—and it also gives our pollinators something to buzz about! Well done, Ballacolla!

Next up is Best Landscaping and the award goes to Clonaslee Tidy Towns. MORE BELOW PICTURE. 

Best Landscaping Award winner Clonaslee Tidy Towns members  Patrick Blake and Fr Tom O'Reilly accept the award from John Oxley of Laois PPN. Photo: Michael Scully 

The judges were seriously impressed with the lovely approach roads, the meticulous removal of briars, and those striking stone walls along the river. And if you’re ever in the mood for a stroll, head to Brittas Woods—you won’t regret it! Special mention to the Heritage Centre and the shop fronts that make Clonaslee feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Congratulations, Clonaslee!

Next up is Best Floral Display and the winner is Durrow Tidy Towns. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Durrow Tidy Towns members accept the award from Simon Walton, Interim Chief Executive Laois Co Council.

Durrow takes home the award for Best Floral Display—and it’s no wonder! Already shining with a Bronze Medal from the National Awards, Durrow looks absolutely stunning any time of year, but especially in August sunshine. The colour palette around the town and its approach roads is nothing short of spectacular. With a history of involvement in Tidy Towns dating back to 1966, Durrow continues to lead by example. And let’s not forget the famous Scarecrow Festival—those floral displays have competition for the town's most eye-catching features! Congratulations.

Now to the Best Heritage Feature and the awards goes to Mountmellick Tidy Towns. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Mountmellick Tidy Towns members accept the award from Clive Davis, People First Credit Union, Chairman. Photo: Michael Scully

Mountmellick takes the prize for Best Heritage Feature. Known as the "Manchester of Ireland" (minus the football rivalry, I hope!), this town is brimming with history. The judges were thoroughly impressed by their visit to the Mountmellick Embroidery Museum, especially with an in-person tour by the legendary Mr Paddy Buggy. His storytelling transported the judges back to 1847, and they were spellbound. If you haven’t visited yet, add it to your list! Congratulations.

The Best Biodiversity Project Award winner is Portlaoise Tidy Towns. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Portlaoise Tidy Towns members accept the award from Cathaoirleach Cllr Padraig Fleming. Photo: Michael Scully

Now, to Portlaoise for Best Biodiversity Project! Having bagged a prestigious Gold Medal in 2023, Portlaoise continues to wow with its biodiversity efforts. From Sand Martin nests to pollinator-friendly hanging baskets, this town is a biodiversity hub! The group’s work planting 30,000 native trees has earned them the well-deserved title, "A Town in a Garden." Hats off to Portlaoise for their green thumb and visionary community spirit! Congratulations.

Now for the Best Community Involvement Project Award and the winner in this category is Stradbally Tidy Towns. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

John Oxley of Laois PPN presents the winning prize to Stradbally Tidy Towns members.

Stradbally claims Best Community Involvement for their outstanding teamwork, especially their "Adopt a Planter" initiative, which has brought residents together in true Tidy Towns fashion. The biodiversity work being done at the Ballymore/N80 junction is exemplary, and we’ve all been buzzing about the pollinator habitats created by local schools. Stradbally, you’ve done yourselves proud! Congratulations. 

Next, Borris-in-Ossory takes home the award for Best Litter Control. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Laois County Council's Interim CEO Simon Walton presents the Award to Borris-in-Ossory Tidy Towns members.

Litter is a universal problem, but this group has it under control. On the judging day, not a piece of litter in sight! Kudos to Borris-in-Ossory for their hard work, and for adding a fantastic mural to the town, further showcasing their dedication to a clean, beautiful environment. Congratulations.

The winner of the Best Newcomer Award is Rosenallis Tidy Towns. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Best Newcomer Award winner Rosenallis Tidy Towns members - accept the award from Cathaoirleach Cllr Padraig Fleming.

For Best Newcomer, we’re thrilled to announce Rosenallis Tidy Towns! Despite being a newly established group, they’ve achieved remarkable things already. Their restoration of old stone walls—once hidden by ivy and brambles—was nothing short of transformative. And let’s not forget the warm welcome judges received when two kind residents brought them the keys to St. Brigid’s Church. That’s community spirit in action!

Next up is the Overall Impression Village Award, and the winner is Killeen Tidy Towns. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Killeen Tidy Towns members accept the award from Clive Davis (People First CU).

Killeen truly made an impression this year, scooping up the award for Overall Impression Village. With pristine streets, lush landscaping, and a brilliant blend of heritage and environmental responsibility, this newcomer village has set a new bar. The transformation of a former litter black spot into a floral haven speaks volumes about their creativity and dedication. Well done, Killeen!

And to the final award of the Laois Federation of Tidy Towns Awards is the Overall Impression Town Award and the winner is Abbeyleix Tidy Towns. MORE BELOW PICTURE

Abbeyleix Tidy Towns members  Alison Mc Evoy, Kathleen O'Connor and Cllr John Joe Fennelly accept the award from John Oxley (Laois PPN). Photo: Michael Scully

Fresh from being crowned Ireland’s Tidiest Town for 2023 with a record-breaking 376 points, it’s no surprise Abbeyleix has taken this award too. From its elegant streetscape to its community garden, the town is a shining example of what teamwork and dedication can achieve. Congratulations, Abbeyleix!