Westport is Ireland's Tidiest Large Town

WESTPORT was named Ireland’s Tidiest Large Town at the 2017 Tidy Towns Awards today.

And there was further reason to celebrate when Pat Scahill of the Westport committee was awarded the overall SuperValu Community Hero Award at the awards, held at the Helix, Dublin.

Pat, who was nominated by local retailer Liam Campion of SuperValu, Shop Street, Westport, was recognised for his commitment to enhancing his local community.

Speaking at the event, Minister Michael Ring said of Westport's win: “This award is richly deserved following the endless work and dedication involved in keeping Westport tidy.

“I wish to take this opportunity to highly commend the chairperson of Westport Tidy Towns, Ms. Eithne Larkin, the committee itself and the large number of volunteers. I also want to compliment Mr. Padraic Walsh, director of services, and the indoor and outdoor staff of Mayo County Council in Westport and CE Scheme workers.

“The people of Westport take huge pride in the appearance of the town and it is wonderful to see their work in this regard being rewarded.”

He added: “I am particularly delighted that Mr. Pat Scahill has been awarded the overall National Heroes Award. Pat works tirelessly in keeping Westport tidy. His good nature, dedication and hard work are well-known throughout the town. Pat can be seen working in all types for weather for Westport Tidy Towns.”

Westport was also named the county and regional winner for the northwest and west, and retained its gold medal.

In other Mayo successes, there was a silver medal award for Belmullet and Castlebar and a bronze medal award for Mulranny and Ballina. This is the third year in a row that Castlebar has achieved silver medal status.

There was also an endeavour award for Shrule on showing the greatest improvement on last year.