Youghal Tidy Towns Committee celebrated its 21st anniversary on Friday 23rd October last at the Mall House Arts Centre where the Committee held a reception for past members and for those who have contributed to the work of Tidy Towns over the last two decades.
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The group was founded in 1988 by Alice Walsh, who became the group’s first chairperson. In the early days she was assisted by among others, Dick O Driscoll, Karen Byrne, Lil Danne, Michael Hackett, Bill Leahy, and Mr + Mrs Michael Connolly. The first Committee had great help from Larry Cunninghan, Town Clerk and Des Heffernan, Town Architect.
The committee in the early days played a pivotal role in raising awareness of tidy town’s issues such as litter control, cleaning and sweeping the Town Centre and engaged a number of residents from various estates around the Town.

Some of the group’s initiatives included:
* The raised flowerbeds at Summerfield Cross and Greencloyne
* The installation of hanging baskets at Dolphin Square.
* The initiation of an Estates competition.
* Various tree planting initiatives.
* The development of the Millennium Garden in association with Youghal Town Council.
The 20/25 strong committee has been chaired by Ned Brennan for most of the current decade. The committee in the current era has faced many new challenges which they have tackled with great energy and enthusiasm.
The Committee has pursued an ambitious programme over the last decade which included:
* Extending the Hanging Baskets Project to the Lighthouse Hill and the Strand.
* The construction and maintenance of new flower beds.
* The Town Centre Planting Scheme.
* The Youghal in Bloom Estate and Garden Competition.
* Wildlife Sign Board Project.

The success of the Committee has grown in recent years with a number of wins in the Cork County Council Litter League, Regional Awards and consistent increases in Youghal’s position in the National Tidy Towns Competition.
“We look forward to welcoming our former members, friends and supporters on 23rd October to celebrate 21 years of achievement” Mr. Brennan concluded.