Tidy towns - Rivalry that is win-win

If anything illustrates the value of combining community effort with friendly rivalry for the betterment of the environment, it is the annual Tidy Towns competition.

What began as a Bord Fáilte initiative in 1958 has blossomed into a contest that still excites people of all ages and galvanises all generations to work together.

Moynalty in Co Meath, which has been in the contest from the beginning, has been named the overall winner this year and was also named Ireland’s Tidiest Village.

Kerry did particularly well with Killarney named Tidiest Large Town and Kenmare Tidiest Small Town.

In total, 832 towns and villages entered this year’s competition, up from 52 when it all started.

The influence of Tidy Towns on the transformation of our living landscape is undeniable.