Kilkenny City was today named Ireland's Tidiest Town, out of the 849 towns and villages throughout the country that entered this year’s SuperValu National TidyTowns competition.

The announcement was greeted by great celebration at today’s awards ceremony at The Helix in Dublin, which was packed with representatives of TidyTowns groups, from all over the country, eagerly anticipating the announcement of the winners.

Mr. Alan Kelly, T.D., Minister for the Environment, congratulated Kilkenney and all the winning towns. "I am very impressed by the enthusiasm of all those involved in the TidyTowns effort. 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 and getting things done increases peoples’ pride in where they live and helps to build vibrant communities," he said.

The TidyTowns competition has been sponsored by SuperValu since 1992 and Martin Kelleher, MD SuperValu added "The outstanding demonstration of community spirit shown by all volunteers is commendable. Their relentless commitment to working for the good of their local community is what makes this competition the success it is today."

Other main category winners are:

Ireland’s Tidiest Village went to Clonegal, Co. Carlow.

Ireland’s Tidiest Small Town went to Kilrush, Co. Clare.

Ireland’s Tidiest Large Town was won by Westport Co. Mayo.

Ireland's Tidiest Large Urban Centre also went to Kilkenny City.

To find out how your County got on in the competition, check out the full resuts here.

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