'Huge numbers' expected in Ballincollig tomorrow for plaque unveiling marking Tidy Towns success 

Ballincollig was supposed to have President Michael D Higgins this weekend but, to be fair, Pope Leo XIV got him instead.

The President had been due to visit Ballincollig at midday tomorrow to unveil a plaque marking the success of the town — The Village, as it is known locally — in winning the SuperValu Tidy Towns Ireland’s Tidiest Town 2024.

The best-laid plans, however, have been hit by the passing of Pope Francis, and President Higgins has travelled to Rome for Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural Mass tomorrow.

Tom Butler, chair of Ballincollig Tidy Towns, told The Echo that the decision had been taken to continue with tomorrow’s unveiling of the plaque without the President.

“We’re disappointed, but he’s our head of state, and we got a lovely letter from him, apologising — but, look, these things happen,” Mr Butler said.

Deputising for the first citizen of Ireland will be the first citizen of Cork, the Lord Mayor of Cork, Green Party councillor Dan Boyle, and Jerry Buttimer, Fine Gael TD for Cork South-Central and minister of state.

Mr Butler said the weather was looking to be fantastic tomorrow, with all the preparations in place. A practice run of the plaque unveiling was carried out on Thursday evening.

“There’s a huge number of people coming to it from other Tidy Towns committees in Cork county and city,” Mr Butler said. “We’ve had a fantastic response to it around Ballincollig as well, and we want people to come along because it is a community day.

“This plaque is not just about Ballincollig Tidy Towns — it belongs to the community. We’re 60 years in existence and this recognition has been a very emotional for all of us.”

Mr Butler said there will be one very special guest at tomorrow’s event, someone he can’t wait to see.

“My first grandson, Setanta, was born last Sunday morning, and he’ll be there!”

The unveiling will take place at noon tomorrow. And at 7pm on Monday, Nationwide on RTÉ One will feature a celebration of Ballincollig.