Moynalty, Co Meath, has been named as Ireland's Tidiest Town for 2013.

Moynalty was named best of the 832 towns and villages that entered this year's SuperValu National TidyTowns competition.

The announcement was greeted by great celebration at the awards ceremony in The Helix in Dublin.

On hand to present the prizes was 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 Helix was packed with representatives of TidyTowns groups, from all over the country, eagerly anticipating the announcement of the winners.

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Moynalty also claimed the award of Ireland's Tidiest Village. Other winners included Kenmare, Co Kerry, which received the award for Ireland's Tidiest Small Town; Killarney, Co Kerry, received the award of Ireland's Tidiest Large Town, and Ennis, Co Clare, retained their title as Ireland's Tidiest Large Urban Centre.

Speaking after the awards, Minister Hogan said: "This is a fantastic achievement for Moynalty after 53 years in the competition; a really worthy winner. My congratulations to Moynalty and all of the other prize-winners today. I am always impressed by the ambition and enthusiasm of all those involved in the TidyTowns effort. These people volunteer their time, effort and expertise, year on year, to help make their communities better places to live and work in. The results of their efforts are obvious in the attractive, well cared-for towns and villages we see throughout the country. It is clear that working together, getting to know your neighbours, and getting things done increases peoples' pride in where they live and helps to build vibrant communities. This is why I am delighted to see this competition continues to sustain great interest, even after 55 years."

(CD/JP)