Kells celebrates 60 years of Tidy Towns pride

Kells Tidy Towns celebrated its 60th anniversary in style in The Headfort Arms Hotel recently, as public representatives, residents associations, the business community and individuals came together to celebrate this fantastic milestone for a voluntary organisation in Kells.

Over 150 guests attended the banquet dinner in The Kenlis Suite, including the Chairman of Meath County Council Cllr Nick Killian, public representatives Cllrs Sean Drew, Sarah Reilly and Michael Gallagher as well as Fr John Byrne PP, representatives of the Sisters of Mercy, and Sgt Elaine Long. Apologies were received from Minister Helen McEntee, Minister for Justice and Deputy Darren O’Rourke.

The proceedings were opened by the Secretary, Rachael Magorrian, who outlined the work of the Tidy Towns over the past 60 years and acknowledged the contribution by so many people in the voluntary sector and community groups that have supported the Tidy Towns to make it the success it is today.

Cllr Nick Killian praised the Tidy Towns and acknowledged that Kells was the third oldest Tidy Towns Committee in Ireland. He said it was not only by chance that the Tidy Towns have achieved their 60 years, but because of significant commitment, enthusiasm and sheer hard work that must be acknowledged by the public representatives, the people of Kells and the greater County of Meath.

On behalf of Meath County Council, he acknowledged the outstanding work that has been done by Kells Tidy Towns to help to achieve the high standards of buildings, open environments and beautiful estates that are around Kells. He described Kells as "a shining example of tidiness and beauty" and thanked Kells Tidy Towns Committee and the recipients of the awards for the various categories in their annual competition.

The Committee held a very special presentation in memory of four associate members of Kells Tidy Towns. A beautifully commissioned inscribed glass cross was presented to Larry and Dolores O’Brien of Super Valu Kells, Kells Tidy Towns Major Sponsor, in memory of their son Nicholas, who had recently died.

Philip Heary Senior and Philip Heary Junior, both former members of Kells Tidy Towns, were remembered in a presentation to their families’ representatives Katie, Philip Senior’s wife and Philip Junior’s mother, her daughter Catriona and son James and Philip Junior’s partner, Liz.

The family of the late Paul Hetherton, an active member of Kells Tidy Towns - his sister, Deirdre and brother, John, accepted the memorial cross. These presentations were made by Fr John Byrne.

The Chairman of Kells Tidy Towns, Brian Curran, thanked Cllr Nick Killian for attending and said it was a privilege to have the First Citizen of County Meath in attendance at Kells Tidy Towns Diamond Jubilee celebrations. He also welcomed Sgt Elaine Long and congratulated An Garda Siochána on their centenary and wished them a successful and safe year.

Mr Curran outlined the achievements of various housing estates, individuals, the commercial sector, and community groups and called on several the public representatives and community leaders to assist in the presentation of the various awards.

Each of the recipients were presented with a specially commissioned crystal piece to mark the Diamond Jubilee and several others were presented with silverware.

In total over 70 individuals and groups received awards. The Chairman then drew particular attention to the voluntary work of those who clean the town on Saturday and Sunday mornings from early morning, in all weathers the whole year round and praised them for their endless efforts to make Kells a nicer place to live and work in.

Long serving contribution awards were presented to Pat Barron, John Meehan, Liam Galligan, Hughie McConnell, and Martin Flanagan to acknowledge their tireless efforts, as their commitment as voluntary individuals is exceptional.

Mr Curran also acknowledged the wonderful administration work in the areas of Tidy Towns by Rachael Magorrian and Lisa Smith and spoke of their various submissions, five year plans and their organisation of the various Tidy Towns seminars they were involved in. Lisa was presented with the Michael McGovern Cup and Rachael received the Lenny Kellett Cup, in recognition of their work.

A special presentation was made to the Chairman of Kells Tidy Towns, Brian Curran who was described by Rachael Magorrian as one of the longest serving members of Kells Tidy Towns, having served over 40 years in the capacity as former secretary, youth officer, PRO, vice Chairman and now the present Chairman for the last number of years.

A written statement was also read out in relation to Brian from former chairman Seamus Grimes paying tribute to Brian. Seamus acknowledged Brian’s lifelong service to Kells Tidy Towns and thanked him for keeping alive the Tidy Towns spirit and committee in Kells.

Cllr Killian said as Chairman of Meath County Council it gave him great pleasure to acknowledge the tireless work of Brian Curran, both as a former member of the Local Authority who served the town of Kells in the capacity of councillor and Chairman for 20 years and had served on Kells Tidy Towns for over 40 years. He thanked him for his leadership skills and his work in the community. Mr Curran received a standing ovation and the evening’s speeches and presentations were closed with a beautiful specially commissioned cake, made by Darina Conaty, which contained images of Kells on it.

Mr Curran also gave special thanks to The Headfort Arms Hotel for the first class meal which was served and congratulated them on celebrating fifty years in business.

The Prize Winners were -Carol & John Curran, Cavan Road; Catriona Lynch, Headfort Grove; Sinead Curran, Headfort Grove; Betty Smith, Kenlis Place; Eileen McKenna, Magdalene Court; Ciaran & Julia Healy, Carrick Street; Paddy & Mary Shortis, Headfort Grove; Lynn Murray, Blackthorn Close; Hughie Lynch, The Grove, Farrell Street; Frank Flinter, Kenlis Place; Gerry & Maggie Morgan, Archdeaconry; Eilish & Jimmy Murphy, St Colmcille’s Villas; PJ & Regina Smith, St. Colmcille’s Villas; Jeanne McGovern, Magdalene Court; Sandra Carr, The Glebe; Mary McInerney, Gardenrath Road; Philomena Kennedy, Headfort Woods; Liam & Catherine Grant, Gardenrath Road; Rosaleen Grant, Maudlin Street; Chrissie & Paul Clarke, Maudlin Road; Mr & Mrs John & Linda McDougald, The Glebe; Mr and Mrs Jim Forde, Cavan Road; Marie & Eddie Mitchell, Headfort Grove; Catriona & Kevin McGeough, Headfort Grove; Hugh Morris, Eureka House and Anita McGovern, Magdalene Court, Cherryhill won the Large Estate Award, while St Colmcille’s Villas too the Small Estate Award and Headfort Grove the Large Urban Estate Award.

The Committee In Appreciation Awards went to Angela Ryan, Philip Fitzsimons, Bridget and David Weir, John Curran and Ray Farrelly.

The Youth of the Year Award went to Brandon McGovern, Magdalene Court and St Ciarán’s Community School, while the Philly Keating Perpetual Cup went to Paul & Carol Farrelly, Church Lane.

The Sean & Mary Hetherton Perpetual Cup went to Tommy & Lucy Cussen, Church Lane, the Terry Murphy Cup to John & Linda McDougald, The Glebe and the Kells Tidy Towns Diamond Jubilee Perpetual Cup to Eddie & Marie Mitchell, Headfort Grove.

Liam & Anne Galligan, Cherryhill won the Paddy Carry Perpetual Cup, while the Credit Union Perpetual Cup went to Patricia Delaney, The Glebe and Perpetual Cup in Memory of Deceased Members went to the Headfort Arms Hotel.

The Philip Heary Jnr & Snr Award went to Kells Allotments, the Larry O’Brien Golden Jubilee Cup to Cherryhill Estate, the Davy Butler Cup to Headfort Grove, the Margaret & Patsy Curran Perpetual Cup to Oliver McGovern, Headfort Grove, the Lenny Kellett Award to Rachael Magorrian and the Michael McGovern Cup to Lisa Smith.