The evening was emceed by Sinead Brassill from LMFM and everyone was thoroughly entertained by Leah Barnaville from Ratoath in Co Meath. Leah is a rising star and has already had much success having reached the live semi finals of Britain’s Got Talent at the age of 14, she recently performed as Maria in West Side Story in the Bord Gais Theatre and will be performing in her own concert on Friday 26th November 2021 in The Venue Theatre Ratoath.
Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr Sean Drew, warmly welcomed the guests and those watching online who represented the groups taking part in the initiative this year “this is a great night of celebration and I would like to acknowledge your hard work and congratulate everyone here this evening, including those at home, on their achievements over the last 12 months, despite the challenges presented, it did not stop the wonderful work around the County” he said.
Meath County Council Chief Executive, Jackie Maguire, thanked the groups for the vital work undertaken out of dedication to their communities and commented that the county had been recognised at national level again this year in the Tidy Towns competition, with an overall increase of 650 points for the county “We fully appreciate your work and your commitment to making our county look so well and showcase Meath as the best place to live, work and do business and the Council will continue to support your ongoing efforts to create strong, vibrant and sustainable communities” said Ms. Maguire
There were three new categories added to the initiative this year; the “Community Wellbeing Initiative” was introduced to acknowledge the wonderful work groups have undertaken in supporting their local communities through a very difficult and challenging time; the “Climate Action” category was added to help promote actions and to acknowledge the work already taking place at a local level and encourage more activity in this very important area, this category proved very successful with 17 entries received and some amazing work already taking place and the “Best Apartment Complex” was also included.
The full list of winners are:
Housing Estate Small
Winner: Railway View
Joint Runner Up: Marian Terrace
Joint Runner Up: Bridge View
Housing Estate Medium
Winner: Hillview
Housing Estate Large
Winner: Clonkeen
Apartment Complex
Killegland Walk
Residential Streetscape
Moynalty Tidy Towns
Village/ Townland >500
Kilbride Tidy Towns Group
Small Town 500 – 2000
Slane Tidy Towns
Large Town > 2000
Dunshaughlin Tidy Towns
Youth Project
Milltown Meadows Residents Association
Community Wellbeing
Old Balreask Woods Residents Association
Climate Action Project
Kilbride Tidy Towns Group
Heritage
Kilberry Amenity & Heritage Group
Actions for Pollinators
Joint Winner: Johnstown Tidy Towns
Joint Winner: Dunboyne Tidy Towns
Vacant Premises
Joint Winner: Athboy Tidy Towns
Joint Winner: Old Johnstown Village Community Group
Hospitality/Tourism
Boyne Valley Activities
Meath County Council would also like to wish the very best of luck to the groups who will be representing Meath at the Co-Operation Ireland National Pride of Place awards in the INEC Killarney on Saturday 12th February 20200. They are:
- Bettystown Tidy Towns - Islands and Coastal Communities
- Ratoath Men’s Shed - Community Wellbeing Initiative
- Athboy Development Forum - Population - 2000 – 5000