Both Fermoy and Mitchelstown gained points in this year’s Tidy Towns competition. Fermoy recorded the biggest rise, gaining four to put it on 278 while Mitchelstown gained two, bringing it up to 267.

In Fermoy, the points were gained in the areas of sustainable waste and resource management and for residential areas which gained one each with roads, streets and back areas increasing by two. Litter control remained the same with 39 marks awarded out of a possible 50. Tidiness also remained the same, marked 21 out of a possible 30.

Mitchelstown got its two point increase for landscaping. Litter control remained the same at 34 out of a possible 50 marks. Tidiness also remained the same as last year, at 17 out of a possible 30 marks.

Noel McCarthy, chairman of Fermoy Tidy Towns welcomed the increase in marks. “There’s no doubt but that our strategy of targeting streets and back areas for enhancement projects is paying off,” he said.

He thanked town clerk, Pauline Moriarty and council workers, FÁS and Tús workers, the Avondhu Blackwater Partnership and the committee, for their efforts which he pointed out, were resulting in a steady climb upwards in the rankings.

“At least we’re up, it’s motivation for us to keep going,” Fermoy Tidy Towns PRO Tadhg O’Donovan added.

Cllr McCarthy also congratulated Coolagown for their great achievement, Castletownroche who were highly commended and Kilworth who were commended, Kildorrery where 11 extra marks were awarded this year, Castlelyons-Bridesbridge who gained two and Doneraile who gained seven.

Cllr John Murphy, chairman of the anti-litter sub committee of Fermoy Tidy Towns, welcomed the town’s placement in the rankings.  One area the town could improve on is landscaping, he said. He’d like to see a focus on this in the square in the town. “The flood relief works, when finished, will enhance the town further,” he pointed out.

Chairman of Cork County Council’s northern area committee, Cllr Frank O’Flynn said he was ‘very very proud’ and delighted at how well north Cork entrants had done. It was an outstanding achievement he said, to see Coolagown win gold again, Castletownroche to win its category in north Cork, with Kilworth coming second and Castlelyons-Bridesbridge coming third plus Fermoy and Mitchelstown increasing their scores.

“They all did well. It’s a great honour for north Cork and shows the great effort being put in. It highlights what volunteer effort can do. I commend them all and Cork County Council, FÁS and Leader for their support of those communities. Any help we can give them in terms of community or amenity grants we will give them,” he said. It’s a great boost, we are all basking in their glory,” he concluded.