‘A wonderful day for Carrick-on-Shannon’
Carrick Tidy Towns volunteers planting trees and flowers in the beds at the biodiversity area of the Linear Park. Pic. Gerry Faughnan
Celebrations are underway in Carrick-on-Shannon following the announcement earlier today of its win of Ireland’s Tidiest Town accolade. Carrick-on-Shannon also won Ireland’s Tidiest Small Town award.
Announcing Carrick-on-Shannon as the overall winner of the national SuperValu Tidy Towns competition at a ceremony in Dublin, Minister Dara Calleary said: “I offer my deepest congratulations to Carrick-on-Shannon and all of its Tidy Towns volunteers for being crowned Ireland’s tidiest town for 2025.
“This is a wonderful achievement and a special moment of immense pride for Carrick-on-Shannon and indeed the wider county of Leitrim.
“Having consistently entered the competition over the last 40 years, Carrick-on-Shannon’s achievement today continues to showcase all that is good about resilience, innovation, sustainability, community spirit and volunteerism. This is at the core of what the competition is all about.”
Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council Councillor Paddy Farrell offered “heartiest congratulations to Carrick-on-Shannon Tidy Towns Committee and all their diligent, hard-working volunteers, whose efforts over the past number of years, at presenting Carrick-on-Shannon as an attractive place to live and visit, have come to fruition today with national recognition and the winning of this award. Well done to all involved.”
Chief Executive of Leitrim County Council Joseph Gilhooley also expressed his delighted at Carrick-on-Shannon winning the title of Ireland’s Tidiest Town 2025. Mr Gilhooley said: “Today is a wonderful day for Carrick-on-Shannon and indeed County Leitrim. It is the culmination of many years of hard work and commitment by the Tidy Towns Committee and the large number of volunteers whom they call upon, to make Carrick-on-Shannon the clean, tidy, attractive and vibrant town that it is. Through collaboration with the county council the Tidy Towns Committee is making a significant difference to the overall presentation of the county town and helping to make it an attractive place in which to live in, work in and visit.
Mr Gilhooley concluded by saying: “In addition to Carrick-on-Shannon’s significant achievement, I also wish to congratulate Dromod Tidy Towns committee on being awarded a bronze medal for the efforts in maintaining the village of Dromod.”
Minister Marian Harkin, speaking following the announcement, said: “I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of Carrick-on-Shannon on this outstanding achievement. To be recognised not only as the tidiest small town, but as the overall national winner, is a reflection of the pride, dedication, and community spirit that define Carrick-on-Shannon.”
She continued: “This award is the culmination of countless hours of voluntary effort by local residents - men, women, and young people who give their time freely, going out in hail, rain, or shine, donning high-vis jackets to pick up litter, plant flowers, and maintain the beauty of their town. Their commitment to keeping Carrick-on-Shannon at its best is truly inspiring.”
Minister Harkin also praised the wider community effort behind the win. “The SuperValu Tidy Towns competition is not just about how a place looks, it’s about community pride, environmental awareness, and teamwork. Carrick-on-Shannon’s success shows what can be achieved when people come together with a shared vision for their place.”
The Minister concluded by saying: “This achievement will bring great pride not just to Carrick-on-Shannon, but to the entire county of Leitrim. I want to sincerely congratulate chairman John Gaffney, his committee and everyone involved for their tireless work, their enthusiasm, and their belief in their town. They have set a wonderful example for communities across the country.”
