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Pictured here with family and friends, Timmy Claire parties the night away for his 30th birthday in the Old Boro, Swords. L-R: Rebecca Claire, Teresa Whelehan, Mark Halpin, Timmy Claire, Pic: JG Brian Sullivan, Claire Donnelly, Michael Claire and Brian Moore.
24th May 2011 • Volume 18, Issue 14 • Leader House, North Street, Swords, Co. Dublin. • ISDN 8139966 • Tel: 8•400•200
Tidy Towns Roses Set To Blossom Call For Your Support T
he eagerly awaited annual Tidy Towns competition is now in full swing, with the imminent arrival of the judging panels. This competition has traditionally brought glory to our towns and villages, many of whom have performed at the highest level and hopefully, one of them can claim the ultimate prize of ‘Overall Winner’.
These are the eight North Dublin girls who were selected from the North County Leader, Dublin North Regional Semi-Final of the Rose of Tralee in the Carlton Hotel last Sunday evening, they go forward to the Dublin Final in Citywest on June 25th with the hope of representing Dublin at the International Rose of Tralee Festival in Kerry. Pictured are: Elizabeth O'Hagan, Kim Connick, Joanne McKiernan, Róisín Brophy, Áine McCarthy, Doireann Ní Chaomhánaigh, Valarie Haugh, Cathy McAndrew.
By Patrick Finnegan Tidy Towns committee members around the county are making an appeal to all visitors and residents alike to be extra vigilant in disposing of litter, which drain much needed points from the great work of the hard working local committees. People who carelessly discard cigarette ends from parked cars undermine this great work. Anne Doyle from Skerries Tidy Towns committee is particularly concerned about this habit. “People who discard cigarette ends in this fashion are a particular concern,” she said. She also praised the great work of the volunteers and the success of their “Adopt an Area” scheme, which is based on the successful model where groups adopted a beach with great success. Unfortunately the hard working and enthusiastic Tidy Towns committee in Balbriggan were dealt a huge blow recently with a break in at their storage facility, where all the petrol driven tools – three grass mowers, two strimmers, and a leaf blower were stolen, leaving the Tidy Towns with only the basic equipment. This is now a great opportunity for the community spirited people of Balbriggan to rally around their committee and give as much support as they can. They are unlikely to be found wanting in this regard. Zoe Nelson, Balbriggan Tidy Towns Biodiversity Officer said, “The volunteers are devastated but they are a determined bunch and they won’t let this setback keep them from making Balbriggan a beautiful place to live, work and visit. Work will continue by hand, but it will be much harder work and take much longer to complete the chores around the town. Our 2011 entry for the Tidy Towns National competition was submitted, so we are even
more keen to show the thieves that despite their efforts to thwart our cause, we will still ensure all the residents of Balbriggan can be proud of the 2011 competition results.” She also appealed for anyone with a secure location to house equipment to contact committee members. Rush is making its welcome re-entry to the competition after many years absence. The committee have been in action for the past number of weeks and Louise O’Loughlin said that the Council are now finally repairing the unsightly speed ramps which were proving an obstacle in their efforts to impress the judges. Their close neighbours in Lusk have also been very active in their efforts to improve on last year’s excellent result. Secretary Pat Kelly was full of praise for the work undertaken by the volunteers. “The committee have done trojan work around the village, sweeping, digging and planting and I want to say a big thank you to our friends in Lusk Neighbourhood Watch who have joined in and given us great support, also thanks to sponsor SuperValu for donating gifts of a shovel, spades, bags, gloves and poppy.” Donabate has had its challenges this year with the problems due to the ongoing water piping roadworks and the building of two new schools and a water pumping station within 200 metres of each other. Blaithin O’Donnell told
the County Leader of a unique plan to make the work interesting, “We are putting in extra work with a wetlands project near St. Ita’s with funding from LEADER, which we hope will increase our points yet again in the biodiversity category. As part of TG4’s G Day on 13th June, Donabate Tidy Towns will be organising a “bailiú bruscar” the previous day, where the traditional clean up will be done as Gaeilge. Regular high achievers Malahide, has also been busy. Chairman of the committee, Gerry Rafferty said, “Its a team effort. Rubbish is rubbish and everyone is really pulling together , so that we can make the absolute best of the town for the competition,” he said. The situation in Swords is one of disappointment that their recruitment drive for volunteers fell somewhat short of expectations. Secretary, Des Becton said, “We have submitted our entry and are still hopeful that our call for volunteers will be answered in time for us to make an impression in the competition,” he said. At a time when house prices have plummeted and the demand for housing has dropped, the local Tidy Towns committees are doing their utmost to generate interest in their areas, thus enhancing the profile of their districts and to make the North County a desirable place to live. Let’s get behind them and do our bit to contribute in a positive way.
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