Cork villages clean up in anti-litter challenge

More than 20 of Cork’s cleanest villages recently received awards for taking part in an anti-litter challenge.

The challenge, which was hosted earlier this year by Cork County Council, saw 66 villages and 20 towns take part across the authority’s three divisions.

Following a six-week judging period, between late April and early June, the judges compiled the scores and announced the results for the 23 winning villages.

Ceremonies were hosted last week at County Hall, in Clonakilty, and in Mallow, which saw each winning village presented with awards.

Organisers of the awards said that the competition was particularly intense this year among the small villages of West Cork, with Newcestown, Cappeen, Ring, and Kilmacsimon Quay, finishing with full marks; Ring was chosen out of these four villages as the top small village, while Ballinspittle was chosen as the top large village.

Other West Cork villages recognised were Union Hall, Durrus, and Timoleague.

In North Cork, Kildorrery came first in the large villages category, while Knocknagree was chosen as the number one small village.

Other villages recognised in North Cork include Banteer, Castlemagner, Boherbue, Coolagown, Lismire, and Ballynoe.

In South Cork, Béal Átha an Ghaorthaidh and Cúil Aodha took first place in the large and small villages categories respectively, while Rostellan, Ré na nDoirí, Saleen, Ballinhassig and Cloyne were also recognised.

The top villages received €1,000 in prize money, with further prizes for second and third place villages, as well as the best improvers.

Mayor of the County of Cork, councillor Mary Linehan Foley, congratulated all entrants, and said that she is looking forward to next year’s competition.

“Community groups are the heart of the fight against litter, helping us to create cleaner, safer spaces for everyone to enjoy,” said Ms Linehan Foley.

“This year 20 towns and 66 villages entered the challenge and I congratulate all winners in their respective categories.

“We hope to see even more towns and villages take part in the challenge again next year.”

The winners of each category will go on to the Villages County Final, which will culminate with an awards ceremony in County Hall in September.