Tidy Towns champion who helped his town win coveted top award named Cork Person of the Month

Tom Butler, who has been chairman of Ballincollig Tidy Towns for 25 years, was recognised for for his pivotal role at the helm of the volunteer group, which claimed the national title for the town last year

Chairman of Ballincollig Tidy Towns Tom Butler, centre, with Valerie O'Sullivan, chief executive of Cork City Council, and Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Dan Boyle at a civic reception in City Hall to celebrate Ballincollig being named as the overall winner of last year's SuperValu Tidy Towns Competition.

The man who inspired his community to win Ireland’s Tidiest town Award last year has been named Cork person of the month for March.

Tidy Towns champion Tom Butler, who has been chairman of Ballincollig Tidy Towns for 25 years, guiding it to multiple awards over the years, was recognised for his unwavering commitment to improving his local community and for his pivotal role at the helm of the volunteer group which claimed the national title for the town last year.

Awards organiser Manus O’Callaghan said Mr Butler had been the driving force behind Ballincollig's transformation into one of Ireland’s most litter-free towns.

Under his leadership, Ballincollig has not only thrived in the national Tidy Towns competition but has also set a benchmark for sustainability, community involvement, and environmental stewardship, he said.

Last year, as well as winning the national SuperValu Tidy Towns title, the town won the prestigious title of Ireland’s Tidiest Large Urban Centre, and it secured a gold medal in recognition of its outstanding achievement.

It comes as the group celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.

Mr Butler has also been recognised for fostering community pride that has inspired countless local initiatives, from tree planting campaigns and biodiversity projects to litter picks and educational workshops for schools, and for his willingness to share his expertise and ideas with other Tidy Towns groups around the country.

He has been instrumental in cultivating a shared sense of responsibility among residents, businesses, and schools, creating a cleaner, greener and more vibrant town for all, Mr O'Callaghan said.

Mr Butler said he wanted to share the recognition with everyone who has been part of Ballincollig's Tidy Town's journey.

“Being part of this community has been a great privilege,” he said.

“This award is not just for me but for every volunteer, neighbour, and supporter who has contributed to our shared vision.

“Together, we have turned small actions into big changes, and I’m excited to see what more we can achieve in the years ahead."

Joe Byrne was named person of the month for February in recognition of four successful decades running the recently-closed Joseph’s Hair Salon in Glasheen and his generosity to the people of Cork over the years.

And Sheena Crowley of Crowley’s Music Centre was named Cork Person of the Month for January in recognition of her successful campaign to keep legendary blues rock guitarist Rory Gallagher’s guitar in Ireland, along with her contribution to Cork’s music community across several decades.

Their names will be on the list of monthly winners who will be consideration for the title of Cork Person of the Year at the annual award next January.