By Dan Walsh
More than 250 children, community groups, volunteers, resident groups and individuals were at Ferycarrig Hotel, Wexford, recently, for the annual Wexford County Council Environmental Awards where wonderful community spirit was graciously acknowledged.
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Pip Breen welcomed and congratulated all the participants and there were presentations and awards to 11 schools, 53 community groups and one individual.
Cllr Breen said; “It is heartening to see groups of local volunteers showing such spirit and endeavour and, in the process inspiring others in their community to follow their example.
“The result of your hard work is evident across County Wexford in towns and villages that are more attractive, better cared for, better places to live and more appealing places to visit,” added an Cathaoirleach.
Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services said she was “struck not only by the level of commitment you make on a voluntary basis but also the quality and diversity of work being carried out and indeed the creativity and innovation we see from you as dedicated local volunteers.”
There were many notable highlights. Enniscorthy Tidy Towns were presented with a plaque for winning the Community Group Snap IntoAction competition. Gorey Tidy Towns, The Gap Tidy Towns and Heritage Group and Hollyfort Development Group, were also presented with awards for their participation in the North Wexford 2K.
A ‘Sort Of Environment’ Quiz kept all guessing at the beginning of the night and prizes to the first 6 correct answers drawn were presented. Winners were Peggy Doyle, Bernie Wade, Bernie McGee Ella Dundon, Jodie Cashe and Kyle Cullen.
The overall winners of the Keep Wexford Beautiful Competition were Blackwater Tidy Towns.
The schools were well represented with eleven schools receiving presentations from Cllr Breen; Gorey Educate Together Secondary School, St Patrick’s School, Enniscorthy and Tombrack National School, Ferns, were all recognised for receiving their first green flag and presented with a nest box sponsored by The Wexford Naturalists’ Field Club.
Coláiste an Atha, Kilmuckridge, Gorey Community School, Meánscoil Gharman, Inis Córthaidh, Ramsgrange Community School, Selskar College and St Peter’s College Wexford were awarded certificates for their participation in the Rubbish Film Festival Programme.
Niamh O’ Connor, St Fintan’s National School, Taghmon was awarded a Plaque as the overall primary school winner in the Christmas Decoration Competition 2023 for her decoration entitled ‘The White Angel.’
Certificates were presented to Ella Dundon, Our Lady of Lourdes National School, Bunclody who was the Overall Primary School Winner in the Environment Artwork Competition and Júliá Rós Ásmundsdóttir Coláiste an Atha, Kilmuckridge who was the overall secondary school winner of the Environment Artwork Competition.
Kilmyshall National School were also awarded a Plaque for being Wexford’s Cleanest School.
An Award for Outstanding Individual Contribution to Wexford’s Environment was presented to Jim Hurley.
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