Members of Laois Tidy Towns Federation with members of Abbeyleix Tidy Towns at the Laois Federation of Tidy Towns agm in The Manor Hotel, Abbeyleix.
Picture: Alf Harvey.
The community of Abbeyleix took centre stage at the recent AGM of Laois Tidy Towns where environmental achievements and initiatives were celebrated.
The event commenced with a welcome and introduction by Sam McLeod, Environmental Awareness Officer at Laois County Council.
The AGM business updates were then presented by Vivienne Phelan, Chairperson, and Doreen Gowing, Treasurer.
The Laois Federation of Tidy Towns Committee honoured Abbeyleix Tidy Towns with a prestigious plaque and a symbolic Yew Tree in recognition of Abbeyleix being crowned Ireland’s Tidiest Town for the year 2023.
Suzanne Dempsey, Climate Action Coordinator for Laois County Council, addressed the audience on the critical issue of food waste and the transformative role of Food Cloud in redistributing surplus food within the community.
Guests were treated to products from Food Cloud, emphasising the importance of such initiatives in addressing food insecurity and promoting sustainability.
Geraldine Wren and Siobhan Duff from the Environment Section of Laois County Council provided an update on Clean Up Laois Week, scheduled for April.
Attendees had the opportunity to sign up for the initiative and schedule bin collections for the upcoming week, receiving essential clean-up kits comprising of litter pickers, bin hoops, gloves, and bags.
Renowned speaker Christy Boylan, Jury Chair for Entente Florale Europe and Tidy Towns Adjudicator, delivered an informative talk offering valuable insights into the Tidy Towns application process and suggestions to enhance community involvement and environmental initiatives throughout Laois County.
Robbie Quinn, Chairperson of Abbeyleix Tidy Towns, shared an overview of the community’s remarkable journey towards winning Ireland’s Tidiest Town 2023, highlighting the dedication and collaborative spirit of Abbeyleix residents.
The evening concluded with a Q&A session featuring Christy Boylan and Robbie Quinn, allowing groups to seek advice and guidance.
Abbeyleix Tidy Towns generously extended gratitude to all attendees by presenting them with a goodie bag filled with local produce symbolising the spirit of community and shared commitment to environmental sustainability.
The event was a resounding success, with over 70 guests representing 27 diverse Laois groups in attendance.
The commitment and collaboration showcased during the AGM reaffirmed the community’s dedication to environmental excellence.
Photographer Alf Harvey was there and captured some great images.
Check them out below:
Olive Lacey from Luggacurren Tidy Towns (on left) with Ann Wall and Judith Hogan from Killasmestia Tidy Towns at the Laois Federation of Tidy Towns agm in The Manor Hotel, Abbeyleix. Picture: Alf Harvey.Canice Hyland and Siobhan Hayes from Clough Tidy Towns at the Laois Federation of Tidy Towns agm in The Manor Hotel, Abbeyleix. Picture: Alf Harvey.Kevin O’Sullivan from Coolrain Tidy Towns with Peader Cleary from Errill Tidy Towns at the Laois Federation of Tidy Towns agm in The Manor Hotel, Abbeyleix. Picture: Alf Harvey.Fred Townsend and Emer O’Brien from Durrow Tidy Towns at the Laois Federation of Tidy Towns agm in The Manor Hotel, Abbeyleix. Picture: Alf Harvey.Sheelagh Kearns, Suzanne Whelan, Lorraine Fitzpatrick, Ann Churchouse and Mary Scully from Ballyroan Tidy Towns at the Laois Federation of Tidy Towns agm in The Manor Hotel, Abbeyleix. Picture: Alf Harvey.Caroline Whitelegg and Judy Ryan from Portarlington Tidy Towns at the Laois Federation of Tidy Towns agm in The Manor Hotel, Abbeyleix. Picture: Alf Harvey.Vincent O’Connell from Ballybrittas Tidy Towns (on left) with Angela KIrwan and David Fitzpatrick from Borris in Ossory Tidy Towns at the Laois Federation of Tidy Towns agm in The Manor Hotel, Abbeyleix. Picture: Alf Harvey.Bredagh Moran and Mary Daly from Killeen Tidy Towns with Louise Nolan from Killeshin Tidy Towns (on right) at the Laois Federation of Tidy Towns agm in The Manor Hotel, Abbeyleix. Picture: Alf Harvey.Diarmaid Heussaff, Vivienne Phelan and Sylvester Phelan from Stradbally Tidy Towns at the Laois Federation of Tidy Towns agm in The Manor Hotel, Abbeyleix. Picture: Alf Harvey.Pat Ryan, Cllr John King, Michael Madden and Anne Marie Madden from Rathdowney Tidy Towns with Martin Kells from Cullohill Tidy Towns ((second from right) at the Laois Federation of Tidy Towns agm in The Manor Hotel, Abbeyleix. Picture: Alf Harvey.Loretta Mansfield and Bernie Dunphy from Ballinakill Tidy Towns at the Laois Federation of Tidy Towns agm in The Manor Hotel, Abbeyleix. Picture: Alf Harvey.Margaret Hanlon, Noreen Byrne and Ann Talbot from Ballacoilla Tidy Towns at the Laois Federation of Tidy Towns agm in The Manor Hotel, Abbeyleix. Picture: Alf Harvey.Fr. Thomas O’Reilly, Maura Gorman and Patrick Blake from Clonaslee Tidy Towns at the Laois Federation of Tidy Towns agm in The Manor Hotel, Abbeyleix. Picture: Alf Harvey.Kitty Creighton, Maura Reddin and Eddie Hickey from Mountmellick Tidy Towns at the Laois Federation of Tidy Towns agm in The Manor Hotel, Abbeyleix. Picture: Alf Harvey.Samantha McLeod from Laois County Council with Padraig Phelan from Attanagh Tidy Towns at the Laois Federation of Tidy Towns agm in The Manor Hotel, Abbeyleix. Picture: Alf Harvey.Mary Tynan and Joanna Steenkist from Coolrain Tidy Towns at the Laois Federation of Tidy Towns agm in The Manor Hotel, Abbeyleix. Picture: Alf Harvey.Detta McCartney and Lily Dollard from Pike of Rushall Tidy Towns at the Laois Federation of Tidy Towns agm in The Manor Hotel, Abbeyleix. Picture: Alf Harvey.Rosenallis Tidy Towns members at the Laois Federation of Tidy Towns agm in The Manor Hotel, Abbeyleix. Picture: Alf Harvey.Laois County Council Climate Action and Environment sections staff, from left: Geraldine Wren, Siobhan Duff, Samantha McLeod, Suzanne Dempsey, Patricia O’Rourke and Catherine Guidera at the Laois Federation of Tidy Towns agm in The Manor Hotel, Abbeyleix. Picture: Alf Harvey.Members of Laois Tidy Towns Federation with members of Abbeyleix Tidy Towns at the Laois Federation of Tidy Towns agm in The Manor Hotel, Abbeyleix. Picture: Alf Harvey.Suzanne Dempsey Laois County Council Climate Action Co-ordinator with Kevin O’Sullivan from Coolrain Tidy Towns at the Laois Federation of Tidy Towns agm in The Manor Hotel, Abbeyleix. Picture: Alf Harvey.Abbeyleix Tidy Towns members at the Laois Federation of Tidy Towns agm in The Manor Hotel, Abbeyleix. Picture: Alf Harvey.
