Abbeyshrule has been announced the winner of the SuperValu TidyTowns Award for 2012, from among a record level of 855 entries.

The announcement was greeted by huge celebration, as the Co. Longford village, stood on the winner's podium for the first time in the history of the competition.

On hand to present the prizes were Mr. Phil Hogan, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government and Mr. Martin Kelleher, Managing Director of SuperValu, the competition's sponsor. The event was packed with almost 1,000 representatives from TidyTowns groups, from all over the country, eagerly anticipating the announcement of the winners.

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Abbeyshrule also claimed the award for Ireland's Tidiest Village. Other winners included Clonakilty, Co. Cork which received the award for Ireland’s Tidiest Small Town, Westport, Co. Mayo which received the award of Ireland’s Tidiest Large Town, and Ennis, Co. Clare which was named Ireland’s Tidiest Large Urban Centre,

Speaking after the awards Minister Hogan said: "This is a fantastic achievement for Abbeyshrule; a really worthy winner. My congratulations to Abbeyshrule and all of the other prize-winners. I continue to be impressed by the dedication and enthusiasm of all those involved in the SuperValu TidyTowns competition. These people volunteer their time and effort, year on year, in order to make their communities better places. The results of their efforts are to be seen in attractive, well cared-for towns and villages throughout the country. It is clear that working together, getting out there and getting things done increases peoples’ pride in where they live and helps to build stronger communities. This is why I am delighted to see this competition continue to grow even after 54 years."

(CD)