Latest news with #TidyTownsCompetition
Irish Independent
a day ago
- General
- Irish Independent
Meath's Tidy Towns lead the way in climate action and biodiversity
While many still picture Tidy Towns volunteers as simply planting flowers and tidying streets, today's groups have evolved into community engagement and support. From running circular economy initiatives to supporting homeless people and promoting local environmental resilience, the volunteers aim to make a difference in their communities. In Trim, the five-time winners of the overall competition, Trim Tidy Towns is pioneering innovative projects like the recently launched returnable coffee cup scheme, cloth nappy libraries, and reusable party kits – initiatives aimed at reducing waste, cutting carbon emissions, and saving families money. They also partnered with Birdwatch Ireland Meath to build a Sand Martin Wall along the Boyne River in August 2024, providing 72 nesting sites to protect this important bird species. Councillor Ronan Moore, Vice Chairperson of Trim Tidy Towns, highlighted the evolving role of the group: 'More and more people understand that the Tidy Towns Competition has long since moved past the simple aesthetics and litter-picking that it was once associated with.' The community group has been active since the mid-1960s and is currently chaired by Brian Hefferman. Mr Moore added: 'Through our involvement in multi-stakeholder initiatives such as the Trim Sustainable Energy Community and the Urbact SDG Global Goals project, as well as partnerships with schools, Men's Sheds, youth projects, and residential estates, more residents now recognise that Tidy Towns encompass everything positive about a community - from sustainability and biodiversity to improved streetscapes and public spaces.' 'We continue to give people hope that they can make a difference. Our message of 'come out and help make a difference' is getting through. We are the extra bit of voluntary workforce that community groups call on when they need a hand.' In Navan, the Johnstown Tidy Towns group has been working closely with Meath County Council to manually weed cycle paths and footpaths, a natural alternative to pesticides that benefits everyone, from local wildlife to children playing outdoors. Councillor Alan Lawes, Chairperson of Johnstown Tidy Town, said: 'We wanted to look after our community a little bit better; the manual weeding is something we are proud of. We've prevented thousands of litres of pesticides from being sprayed. That's a benefit for everyone, for the animals, and for the children playing in the area.' 'Everyone is looking for the government to do something for the environment but actually we can do a lot ourselves.' Meath County Council backs these local efforts through funding schemes, with the latest being €3m Local Biodiversity Action Fund announced this week. Johnstown Tidy Towns also use their funding to support outreach for homeless people in Meath. 'We go out every night to homeless people to bring them something to eat or sleeping bags. I'm hoping that by doing what we are doing, it's shining light on the area that is not being looked after by the government,' said Mr Lawes. Founded in 1958, the Tidy Towns competition celebrates the tidiest and most attractive communities across Ireland. Judged by independent adjudicators from May to August, towns receive reports praising positive developments and suggesting improvements. Awards cover various environmental categories, culminating in the announcement of Ireland's Tidiest Town each September. In Athboy, the Tidy Towns group hosts biodiversity talks to teach locals to appreciate and protect nature. Mary Flood, Chairperson, said: 'Our motto is to improve, protect and enhance our town, so a lot of the work we do is about education — showing people what we are doing and hoping they follow our example.' 'We tend to forget that we are part of nature… we are nature. If we destroy nature, we are destroying ourselves and leaving it in a bad state for future generations. So we have to teach people to love nature.' Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
Irish Independent
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Around the Districts: Piercestown to Taghmon-Camross
Fiachra's Fundraiser Fiachra's Fundraiser is a charity event being held in The Coal Bunker Bar & Restaurant, Rosslare Road on Friday 30th May. Tickets are €10, and can be purchased online at via QR-code or from the Crotty family. The event is to raise funds for the Gavin Glynn Foundation. The Gavin Glynn Foundation ( provided both logistic and financial support to the Crotty family while Fiachra underwent a bone marrow transplant in the Netherlands. The Crotty family are very grateful for the support they received and are hosting this event to raise funds for the Gavin Glynn Foundation to help other families who will require support from this worth-while charity. Come along for a great night of music and craic, starting with singer Trina Murphy followed by the superb Divine Invention band. Doors open at 7:30 pm. There will also be a raffle on the night with amazing prizes to be won. All support is greatly appreciated for this worthwhile Irish charity. Book launch Paddy Berry will launch his book of self-composed ballads, poems and songs in the Farmers Kitchen on Saturday 14th June at 8pm. The night will include traditional music and song. All are welcome. Open Garden An Open Garden in aid of Rathaspeck Church Restoration Fund will take place at Alice Mernagh's, Moorfields Y35NY22 on Sunday 15th June from 2pm to 6pm; picnic facilities available. Come along and support this worthy cause. Notes contact Please forward notes for the paper to ROSSLARE HARBOUR St Mary's GAA & Camogie Club Lotto results for 20th May were 8, 12, 26 and 31. There was no Jackpot Winner. Congratulations to our 3 Match 3 Winners Mel Murphy, Eilish Ryan and Carita Rowe. The next draw will take place on Tuesday 27th May with a Jackpot of €15,000. RNLI Golf Classic The Annual Rosslare RNLI Golf Classic will take place at Rosslare Golf Links on Friday 6th June. Team of 4 €140 and sponsorship of tee box €50. Time sheet available by contacting Des Murphy on 087 2350272 or desbmurphy2@ ADVERTISEMENT Learn more Environment Group Cobblelocking of the pathway along by the outdoor recreation area / playground has is really looking lovely and the finished cobble locking will be see the trail being suitable for so many more people who want to enjoy our lovely coastal path. Don't forget to make every effort to ensure that Rosslare Hbr does really well in this year's Tidy Towns Competition. Fresh paint, a good tidy-up and extra planting will all give the adjudicator reasons to award extra points. This will make a difference so please support the volunteers who are always out and about maintaining and improving our village. A WEEE (Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment) cage for small household electrical goods and a container for the recycling of fluorescent tubes is situated at the back of the Railway Social Club. It is open on Saturday mornings between 10 and 11.30 am, weather permitting. The Group's activities can be monitored on their FB Page Rosslare Harbour/Kilrane Environment Group. RNLI flagpole The RNLI Flag Pole on the pathway overlooking Rosslare Europort has received a make-over. This flagpole was once located on the Fort at the entrance to Wexford Harbour. Probably the last remaining artefact of the Fort where many of our families originated and lived until its evacuation ahead of a storm in 1924. Great work and thank you! Wexford Walking Trails As part of the Rosslare Harbour Festival, on Sunday 15th June, we will be walking along our own clifftop trail. Donations on the day will go to the Rosslare Hbr Kilrane Environment Group who monitor and maintain this trail and who are constantly improving and developing this fabulous community facility. Why not organise a family day out to include our lovely coastal path and at the same time support our wonder Rosslare Hbr Kilrane Environment Group. Rosslare Harbour Festival This year's Festival will run from Friday, 13th to Sunday, 15th June with lots of exciting and interesting events taking place over the entire weekend. Watch this space but in the meantime log on to Rosslare Harbour Festival on FB or see ROSSLARE STRAND Rosslare Community & Sports Centre With many of your little ones on holiday or half-term, why not check out Rosslare Community and Sports Centre to fill these glorious sunny days. We are open every week day till 9pm and on weekends until 5pm. Our weekend hours will extend to 9pm during the main holiday period. A family membership give you unlimited access to tennis courts, crazy golf, track facilities, bowling green and subsidised padel court rates. Other memberships are available; contact us on 053 9132202 or call into the Centre where staff will be happy to help. With Summer around the corner, we have a jam-packed programme in place for the months of July and August. Booking is already pretty brisk so don't miss the opportunity to get your little ones enrolled. First up is the Spark Academy Active Camp offering movement games, sports challenges and creative LEGO play, all with the emphasis on fun! Contact Liam on 0870635416 for booking and further information. More details on this and all of our camps can be found on our website If you're looking for a birthday party venue, meeting or other event, our indoor facilities might be the answer! The Fort Room can hold up to 40 people and offers wifi, presentation facilities, ample power sockets and easy access to kitchen facilities. For larger events, our Main Hall offers plenty of space to run around, with basketball hoops and mini-goalposts available for use. This room also has easy access to kitchen facilities and our tuck shop for those essential half-time refreshments. Contact staff at the Centre who will be happy to discuss your requirements. Good Time Padel - This is a group of padel players who meet at the Centre on a regular basis. If you would like to inquire about learning to play, or finding other players, you can call Beverley on 087 9678149 or Rosemary on 087 7701235 for a chat. Pickleball Sessions - We hold regular Pickleball sessions in our Main Hall on Tuesday evening and Wednesday mornings – new members, with or without playing experience are always welcome to come along. Contact Grace on 086 3946898 for details. SummerFest 2025 This year's event takes place on 27th July on the grounds of the Community Centre and promises a great day out for all the family, providing amusements, food, competitions, music and much more. If you would like to book a stall at this year's SummerFest, just give us a call on 053 9132202 or drop a line on info@ We'd love to hear from you. Rosslare Active Retirement Association Our monthly meeting will be held on 3rd June and following that we have our outing on 12th June to the National Stud and Japanese Gardens. In July we have a guided tour of Dalkey Castle and after lunch we have a literary and historical tour of Dalkey Village. Rosslare Development Association - Volunteers needed As and from June we plan to reopen the Community Information Hub in Rosslare Carpark on a daily basis. If you can give two hours a month over the summer to engage with people you will be providing a valuable service to visitors and locals alike. We are open daily from 11am to 4pm, so drop in to see what is involved or contact us by email atrosslaredevelopmentassociation@ TAGHMON-CAMROSS Taghmon/Caroreigh & Trinity Parish news Weekend Mass Schedule - Saturday: Cleariestown 6pm–Caroreigh 8pm. Sunday: Trinity 9am–Taghmon 10.15am–Rathangan 11.30am Weekday Mass Schedule - Tuesday: Cleariestown 9.30am. Wednesday: Caroreigh 9.30am. Thursday: Rathangan 9.30am. Friday: Taghmon 10am – School Mass Adoration Times - Duncormick: Monday 2-8pm – New Adorers always welcome. Taghmon: Tuesday 11am-12 noon – New Members welcome. Cleariestown: Thursday 11am-5pm. Caroreigh: Monday 1-8pm, except Bank Holiday Mondays and the months of June & July. Caroreigh Parish Meeting The A.G.M of Caroreigh Parish will be held on Tuesday 24th June at 8pm in the Old School. Your presence would be appreciated. Ecumenical Ceremony The Annual Ecumenical Ceremony at St. Garvan's Well will take place after 8pm Mass in St. Garvan's Church on Saturday 7th June. Tea afterwards in the Old School. Kilgarvan Patron The Kilgarvan Cemetery Patron will take place on June 29th at 2pm. Please remember to tell family and friends outside the parish. Caroreigh Field-day The Caroreigh Field Day is scheduled for 27th July. The event will feature all the customary stalls and attractions. The fancy dress parade will be led out by the New Ross and District Pipe Band. We are also anticipating a highly successful dog show. For queries contact Kay on 087-2680273/kaynolandoyle@ Active Retirement Association Taghmon/Camross Active Retirement Association are organising a trip to the Bloom Festival on Thursday 29th May. Anyone wishing to travel (members or non-members) please contact Secretary: Chris Whitty, Telephone: 086-3623508 as soon as possible. Heritage Weekend 2025 Heritage Weekend 2025 takes place this from 16th-17th August. Our plans are progressing, and it is crucial that everyone attends our next meeting on Thursday 5th June. Please make every effort to be present, as the timings of the events and the schedule for the weekend will be decided. It is imperative that all plans are finalised during this session. Camross I.C.A. Next Meeting is on Monday 9th June in Camross Hall. New members welcome. Follow our Camross ICA on Facebook for all that's happening. Camross Hall news On Friday, 6th June Camross Hall will host a dance event featuring the esteemed Alaistair Fingleton. Admission is €10, which includes tea. The event will commence at 9pm and continue until late. Consider organizing a group outing or a ladies' night for an enjoyable experience. A delightful evening is guaranteed with ample opportunities for dancing. Taghmon History Society The next meeting of Taghmon History Society will take place in Scout Hall at approx. 9pm on Thursday 6th June. Everyone is welcome and new members to the Society are welcome too. Photos - We are once again requesting submissions of photographs for our 2026 Calendar. All submitted photographs will be returned undamaged. Many historic photographs remain stored in boxes within attics or suitcases beneath beds. This history is invaluable, and we feel a strong responsibility to preserve it. Please note that the deadline for photograph submissions will be earlier this year due to the production of a new journal. Additionally, we are seeking photographs depicting farm life prior to mechanisation. Checkout our Facebook page for any other queries. You can reach us at email: kaynolandoyle@ Taghmon Athletic Club A huge well done to Aoibhean Carthy who has qualified for the U13 Wexford relay team — an outstanding achievement! We wish her the very best of luck in her upcoming races. Well Done to All Who Competed in the Schools Athletics Event! Over the two-day schools athletics event this week, several of our club members represented their schools with pride and performed brilliantly. A special mention to: Ava O'Sullivan – 3rd place in the 100m; Aoibhean Carthy – 2nd place in the 100m; Oisin Carthy – 1st place in the 80m; Tatum Claughan – 3rd in long jump with a new PB of 3.96m; Alannah Butler – Competed in the long jump with a jump of 2.31m And a big shoutout to all the children from our club who qualified through their schools and competed with great effort and spirit Taghmon I.C.A. The Taghmon I.C.A. guild's April meeting took place on 16th April. Bereavements were sent to the following: O'Sullivan family, Connors family and the Walsh family. At the federation meeting in Bree Eithne Magee came third with her brown bread and Mary Monaghan came third with recycled keyring Congrats was sent to Mella Winters on her special Birthday. Joan Furlong oversaw our AGM and the following were elected: President Carol Gray, Vice president Theresa Murphy, Secretary Chris Whitty, Treasurer Theresa Murphy. The May meeting took place on 14th May. Special Occasion was discussed which takes place in June. Our next meeting takes place on 18th June. Competition is the nicest Rose. Taghmon United Congratulations to last week's winner of Taghmon United AFC split the pot, Ann Lawler who claimed a whopping €526. Thank you to everyone for your support. Lines are now open for our next draw. Camross Drama Group The AGM of Camross Drama Group was held in Camross Hall on Wednesday 21st May. Philip Howlin, Chairperson, Secretary, Peggy Doyle and Treasurer, Breda Nolan gave their reports on the past year and Paddy O'Gorman presided over the election of officers for 25/26. Elected were as follows: President: Paddy O'Gorman. Chairperson: Philip Howlin. Vice Chairperson: Michael Stafford. Secretary: Peggy Doyle. Assistant Secretary: Hannah Roche. Treasurer: Breda Nolan. Assistant Treasurer: Philip Howlin. Public Relations Officers: Gillian Dunlop and Nicola Roche. Committee: all the above plus Mary Brown, Michael Doyle, Deirdre O'Connor, Ann Howlin, Fr. Robert, John Morgan and Eileen Hannon. Watch this space for future activities of Camross Drama Group. Follow Camross Drama Group on Facebook for updates. Charity Motorcycle Run The Gurriers MCC Present a charity Motorcycle Run in aid of The Irish Kidney Association on 13th July. Check in 11am, Start 12noon, Ends 2pm from Taghmon Camross GAA Club. Cost €20 per bike. Visit or
