Latest gold Tidy Towns win for Ballincollig a ‘testament to volunteerism’ 

A week after a big win on the international stage, Ballincollig has secured its 14th gold medal in this year’s SuperValu Tidy Towns competition. 

Two weekends ago, Ballincollig secured a major title in the Communities in Bloom International Challenge Showcase Awards in Montreal, winning Best International Town in the medium towns category. 

It also won the Outstanding Achievement Award for International Plant and Floral Displays. 

Ballincollig had been chosen to represent Ireland in the prestigious international competition on foot of its winning the SuperValu TidyTowns Ireland’s Tidiest Town 2024.

That win had been the culmination of decades of hard work by the volunteers of Ballincollig Tidy Towns (BTT), but the town’s subsequent successes have proven that no laurels have been rested upon since then.

Last Friday, the results of this year’s TidyTowns competition were announced and — to the surprise of few who are familiar with BTT’s 52-weeks-round work schedule, The Village scored a gold medal, its 14th so far.

Leading the congratulations, Lord Mayor Damian Boylan said he was in awe of the work of BTT’s volunteers.

“None of this happens by accident, and great towns like Ballincollig are built on the back of volunteerism,” Mr Boylan told The Echo.

“If you look at Ballincollig GAA and the success it’s having, if you look at the success Ballincollig Tidy Towns is having, this whole city runs on volunteers, and this latest win is a wonderful testament to volunteerism, especially in Ballincollig.”

Paying tribute to Tom Butler, BTT chairman, and his fellow volunteers, the Lord Mayor said their commitment was an inspiration to all.

“They have devoted their time to making Ballincollig beautiful, they have made a mark, and they will be remembered for it,” he said.

“Working in conjunction with Cork City Council, local businesses, local communities, Ballincollig Tidy Towns have led the work to keep Ballincollig a special place.

“Every week, rain or shine, they turn out and do the hard work, and none of this happens by accident.

“They have set an example for the whole city, and everyone should follow their lead.”

Last November, in one of his final official acts as Uachtarán na hÉireann, President Michael D Higgins met with BTT volunteers in Áras an Uachtaráin.

That meeting was something of a consolation to the delegation, after a planned visit to The Village in May was cancelled after the passing of Pope Francis, as Mr Higgins had to travel to Rome to attend Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural Mass.

You’d never know - perhaps President Catherine Connolly might take a trip to The Village some time and fulfil the promise of an official visit that her predecessor never got to honour.