'Let’s get behind Mullingar!' Tidy Towns prepare for Pride of Place competition
Mullingar Tidy Towns are representing Westmeath in this year’s Pride of Place competition, and the volunteers in that organisation are calling on everyone to help out.
Mullingar Tidy Towns were announced as Pride of Place winners at the 2022 Cathaoirleach Awards on May 6 last, at Belvedere House and Gardens. The then cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, Cllr Frankie Keena, presented the prize to Rosie McCormack, Tus supervisor with Westmeath Community Development and longtime supporter of Mullingar Tidy Towns.
Bill Collentine, chairperson of Mullingar Tidy Towns, was unavailable on the night, but he and his team said they are honoured to be chosen to represent Westmeath – in the category for populations of more than 5,000.
Also present at the Cathaoirleach Awards to represent Mullingar Tidy Towns were Adam Bawle (a young volunteer), John Bawle (co-ordinator), Margaret Feely (office manager) and Isolde Dingerkus (horticulturist and biodiversity officer); plus Robert Troy, TD, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment).
The Pride of Place competition encourages people living in an area to work together to make it a good place to live, work and play.
Judging is in Septembers, when the judging panel will visit Mullingar and meet the Mullingar Tidy Towns team and view their plans for the competition.
Mullingar Tidy Towns sub-committees have stared work, and volunteers met in June to discuss plans with Annette Barr Jordon and Anne Marie Nash from Westmeath County Council, who are fully aware of what is needed to participate in Pride of place, having helped other groups in previous years.
The Pride of Place committee members are: Jason McKevitt, Mullingar Tidy Towns historian; Mr Collentine, Ms Dingerkus, Ms Feely; Aishling Coleman, office manager, Mullingar Chamber and Fleadh Cheoil 2022; Andy Boyle, fisherman; Mr Bawle, Ms McCormack, Sean Doran, sign-maker and Mullingar Tidy Towns volunteer; PJ Fitzpatrick, former Coillte worker and Crann (Trees for Ireland magazine) consultant on tree planting for Mullingar Tidy Towns.
Mr Bawle said: “Over the weeks to judging day, these members will be contacting all groups in Mullingar asking them to get involved in promoting our beautiful town, all help would be greatly appreciated.
“This is our town – where we all live, work and play – and this is our time to shine for all to see. Let’s be proud of Mullingar!”
To get involved, contact Mullingar Tidy Towns: Bill Collentine 086 2459216; Rosie McCormack 087 9385075; and on Facebook and Instagram.
Pride of Place is an all-Ireland competition sponsored by IPB Insurance, in association with Co-Operation Ireland.
Cleanup at Dalton Park
Residents of Dalton Park approached Mr Collentine to see if he could help with a clean-up of an area in the estate.
With the help of Westmeath County Council and Chris Lynch Skip Hire, Mullingar Tidy Towns were able to make it happen.
It was a massive undertaking but everyone worked well together, and the residents supplied tea and refreshments for all.