Sligo County Council welcomed Tidy Towns volunteers to the Love Our Place – Tidy Towns Networking Event on Saturday, 14 February at the Clayton Hotel, Sligo.
Love Our Place – Tidy Towns Networking Event Celebrates Community Spirit Across County Sligo
The event celebrated the exceptional dedication, collaboration, and local pride that define Tidy Towns efforts across the county.
Opening the event, Cathaoirleach Cllr. Dónal Gilroy paid tribute to the tireless work carried out by volunteers throughout the year, noting that much of their contribution happens quietly—early in the morning, late in the evening, or behind the scenes—but transforms towns, villages, and rural communities across Sligo.
“Your work matters. Your efforts make a difference. And Sligo is a better, more beautiful, more vibrant place because of you,” said Cllr. Gilroy.
This past year brought a particularly proud achievement for the county, with Sligo Town being officially named the Cleanest Town in Ireland for 2025 in the Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) rankings. This recognition reflects years of sustained collaboration between volunteers, Council staff, local businesses, schools, and residents. The event also acknowledged the success of Riverstown, recently named Sligo’s Tidiest Town, demonstrating the strength and pride that underpin local community action.
Speakers throughout the morning offered guidance, inspiration, and practical insights for communities. Hugh Kelly of Riverstown Tidy Towns highlighted the teamwork and pride that contributed to their success. Finbarr Filan of Sligo Tidy Towns highlighted the extensive community partnerships and impactful enhancement projects that helped Sligo achieve national recognition. Ruth Hanniffy, Biodiversity Officer with Sligo County Council, shared expert guidance on supporting biodiversity at local level. Keynote speaker Sharon Eastwood, Tidy Towns adjudicator, drew on her adjudication experience to share practical advice to support communities in their continued progress and ambition.
The event also featured contributions from community support representatives, with Eamonn Haran from Sligo LEADER and Lisa McDaniel from LAWPRO sharing information on the supports and opportunities available to communities.
Áine O’Loughlen, Environmental Awareness Officer for Sligo County Council, said that
“Today was about recognising the incredible efforts of every Tidy Towns group across Sligo, and giving people the chance to come together, share ideas, get expert advice, and learn from each other. By sharing experiences and ideas, groups can spark fresh thinking that shapes the future of their towns and villages”.
Sligo County Council extends their thanks to all the participants on the day, and to all the volunteers for their ongoing work to contribute to a more beautiful, vibrant, and resilient Sligo.