County Clare's Tidy Towns participants have been lauded, after picking up numerous awards at the 50th National Tidy Towns Competition.

Ennis was recently named Ireland's tidiest large urban area at the 50th National Tidy Towns Competition.

County Clare's contingent performed strongly with both the county capital and Kilrush retaining the Gold Medals they won in last year’s competition.

There were a number of other successes for Clare in this year's competition.

Ennis picked up the overall County Award with Kilrush and Ballynacally being named second and third respectively. Ballynacally won a silver medal, and Kilkee and Mountshannon both received bronze medals

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Commenting on Clare's participation in this year's competition, local TD Tony Killeen said: "I am delighted to see that so many local participants were officially recognised, which is a testament to the efforts of those involved."

Mr Killeen said the achievements of large towns such as Kilrush and Ennis could not have been accomplished without the support of the wider community.

He said: "It is evident from Clare’s outstanding success in this year's competition that the spirit of volunteerism and pride of place is very much alive in this County."

Environment Minister Michael Kitt presented the winners of the national Tidy Towns competition, from the Mid West Region, with their prizes this week.

The Tidy Towns competition is organised by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and sponsored by SuperValu.

Judging of entries takes place in June, July and August each year.

(PR/JM)