Anti litter awards: 24 Cork villages recognised

Twenty-four Cork villages were presented with certificates this week to commend their work in curbing litter in environs.

This year, 66 villages entered Cork County Council’s annual Anti-Litter Challenge, which showcases the unwavering commitment and community spirit of voluntary groups across the county.

In the Large Villages category, Kildorrery (North), Saleen (South) and Durrus (West) once again claimed the top spot in their respective divisions, each of them achieving this for the second consecutive year.

The Small Villages competition saw a remarkable achievement with four villages in the Western Division – Ardfield, Ardgroom, Drinagh and Kilmacsimon Quay – maintaining an entirely litter free status during the six-week judging period.

First place honours in the small villages category for the Northern and Southern Divisions were awarded to Coolagown and Ballinhassig respectively.

Saleen, Aherla and Knockraha were named the three best large villages in the Southern Division, while Ballinhassig, Upper Dripsey, Kilmurry and Cuil Aodha came first, joint second and third in the small village category.

In the Northern Division, the large village winners were Kildorrery, Newtownshadrum and Castletownroche and the small village winners were Coolagown, Knocknagree, Kiskeam and Lismire.

Three best improver awards across the three were awarded to Whitegate, Glengarriff and Ballynoe.

The overall winners of both town and villages categories will be announced at the final awards ceremony in September.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Joe Carroll praised all the volunteers, saying: “This community competition has gone from strength to strength and continues to attract strong interest from towns and villages across the county.

“The commitment and effort shown by our community volunteers in this year’s Anti-Litter Challenge is inspiring. Their hard work ensures our villages remain attractive and welcoming, and for that, we owe them our gratitude.”

“The Anti-Litter Challenge is testament to the great work undertaken by volunteers right across the county who spend long hours sweeping, cleaning and gathering litter from footpaths and roadsides.”

Cork County Council has thanked each of the villages who entered in 2024 and acknowledged the work of the countless volunteers who take such pride in their community.