Kilkenny wins B of I National Enterprise Town Award 2019

Congratulation to all on the hard work  undertaken  by the  National Enterprise Town Award  committee who in turn were supported by many organisations and volunteers from through out our City, this included the  Kilkenny PPN   (Kilkenny Public Participation Network) and Keep Kilkenny Beautiful.

This is a fantastic achievement for Kilkenny, there were over  70 Communities in the running, Kilkenny were victorious in winning the overall prize at the Bank of Ireland National Enterprise Town Awards 2019 including a  cash prize of €33,000.

This win is indicative of the hard work and dedication of many businesses and enterprises throughout the city but also our community spirit which is at the heart of everything we  do.  It is important that local enterprises and community groups are supported in their efforts to create jobs and a sustainable future for their communities.

Pictured representing Kilkenny at the 2019 Bank of Ireland National Enterprise Town Awards are Noel Sherry, Mary O’Hanlon, Maurice O’Connor (PPN Secretariat and Community Radio), Deirdre Dunne, Mayor Martin Brett, Marion Acreman, Colette Byrne, Fiona Deegan, Minister John Paul Phelan, John Hurley, Peter Chap Cleere, Cllr Deirdre Cullen, Deirdre Shine, Bank of Ireland, JJ Keyes, Head of Kilkenny, Bank of Ireland

Annual Awards 2019 – Results

A large crowd attended the 2019 annual awards ceremony which took place at the Springhill court hotel on the 29th of October 2019.

Ian McCullough Of Birdwatch Kilkenny presented a thought-provoking presentation in relation to biodiversity in our city and recommendations on how to improve planting to be insect and bee friendly.

Set out under our list of the award recipients in the various categories. Congratulations to all.

Keep Kilkenny Beautiful awards 2019 results

Best commercial floral display    

Highly commended

Bollard’s,  Kieran St.

Kytler’s Inn, Kieran St.

Rafter Dempsey’s,  Friary St.

Langton’s, John Street.

Tynan’s Bridge house

Rothe House, Parliament  St.

 

Winner

Hotel Kilkenny

Attractive composition of flowers complementing the  well maintained  hotel buildings and courtyards 

 

Most improved commercial premises      

Highly commended

Aran Bakery, Barrack St.

Crown Hair Salon, Ormonde st.

Mokum Interiors, Dean  st.

Winner

The Hungry Moose, John St.,

Upgrading an existing corner  building which had been vacant for a number of years with attractive decoration and  colourful  flowers on an important junction

 

Best shop front         

Highly commended

Murphy Jewellers, High st.,

Maibe Carey, Parliament st.,

Newbridge Silverware,  High st.

Winner

Brennan’s Bottling Store,  Walkin St.,

Attractive traditional public house on corner site with appropriate  signage and  eye-catching decoration.

Best shop signage

Highly commended

Little Green Grocer, Parliament st.

Designer Emporium, Kieran st.

Winner

Food For Life, Kieran st.

Well decorated shop premises  with attractive signage and complementary art work

Best Kilkenny hospitality

Highly commended

Springhill Court Hotel, Waterford rd.,

Mena House, Castlecomer rd.

Park Villa, Castlecomer rd.

Fanad House, Bennettsbridge rd.

Winner

Hibernian Hotel, Patrick St.

Fine city centre establishment in prominent location with external seating area on the newly revamped Patrick st welcomes visitors to Kilkenny

Best Commercial Centre

Highly commended

IMC Cinema, off Castlecomer rd.

Market Cross Shopping Centre

Winner

Kilkenny Retail & Business Park

The overall area is well presented and maintained with attractive perimeter tree planting and areas of sustainable planting

 

Awards for evening premises display

Commendation

Paris Texas, High st.

Billy Byrnes 39 John st. Upper

Winner

Bridie’s, 72 John  st.

Entrepreneur awards

Kilkenny Boat Tours

Providing  a new perspective with their  river  Nore  tours of our City

Kilkenny Segway  Tours

Providing  city wide electric Segway tours of our City

Special Awards – Hidden gems 2019

St. Mary’s Daycare centre & residential units,     Gaol Rd/ Haughney Green

For providing sustainable colour on  the street edge.

Fushia House, Waterford rd.

For special effort in providing a colourful display and care of adjacent green spaces 

Joanna McLoughlin,  Magdalen Court

For special effort in providing a colourful display

 

 

 

 

 

 

38 Abbey sq.

For special effort in providing colourful displays

Mary Jo Gilligan, Tilbury Place

For special effort in reclaiming  the street

Joe Carton & Niamh O’Donoghue, John’s Quay

For special effort in providing  colourful planting  in the city centre

McDonagh Junction shopping centre

For special effort in  upgrading   presentation 

Mother of Fair Love school, James st.

 The Tidy towns Judge remarked ”We admired three lovely new trees in the grounds of the Mother of Fair Love school near St Mary’s Cathedral.” 

 

Kilkenny street of the year  2019

Patrick  street

This street has really improved over the last number of years. The judges were impressed with the variety of shop types and businesses, the many excellently painted shop fronts and buildings, the range of flowers, planters and the overall impression was very positive. Congratulations to Patrick  Street as winner of the 2019 Kilkenny street of the year

Special award 2019

Simon Walton

For his dedication and assistance as City Engineer  to Tidy Towns  & Kilkenny City over the last number of years

Heroes in our Community Award

Men’s Shed  – Good Shepherd centre

“These award are given to those from our community  who have shown leadership in their community. It is through their  quiet work that  many excellent projects are completed throughout Kilkenny city on an ongoing basis. During 2019 they  also constructed 3 large  owl boxes   for KKB which  have been erected at  sites around Kilkenny city.

Fitzpatrick Perpetual Shield for Community Effort              

Home Rule Club

We congratulate the Home Rule Club for their well presented premises on John’s quay on their  125 year anniversary.

The Brendan Lawless Memorial Award

Gardening Staff  lead by Katherine Keoghan  of  Kilkenny Co Co

” This award is   for the excellent sustainable  gardening and colourful planting undertaken  through out our city”

PRIVATE GARDENS 2019

PRIVATE GARDENS HIGHLY COMMENDED

ST PATRICK’S  PARISH   Area A & B

Siobhan Griffith,   Garden Villas

5 Nuncio rd.

Cathleen Ayers,  Dean’s Court

Tony Murphy, Rose Hill court

Maureen Scully,  St Patrick’s close

PRIVATE GARDENS HIGHLY COMMENDED

ST JOHN’S  PARISH Area A

Mary Nolan, Lacken  Drive

Liam Kelly, Newpark Lower

Peggy O’Toole,  Lacken  Drive

Sean & Mairead Delaney, Glenview, Castlecomer road

Terence & Maire Morris,  The Weir

Margaret Greene,   Glendine Court

Aileen Beirne,  Meadow Way

PRIVATE GARDENS HIGHLY COMMENDED

ST JOHN’S  PARISH Area B

Larry Murphy, New Orchard

Brendan Burke & Joie Bourke,  The Orchard

John Brophy,  New Orchard

Turlough O’Dwyer,   Rathullard,

Margaret Egan,  Pococke Upper

Lintown Gardens

Alison & Niall Brett, Rosedale Garringreen/Whitewood

PRIVATE GARDENS HIGHLY COMMENDED

ST CANICE’S  PARISH

Kilsallagh, College Gardens

Patricia Shortall,  Riverside Drive

Mary Deevy,  Riverside Drive

Breda Slattery,  Meadow Hill

Fran Grincell,  Talbots Inch

Judy Rhatigan,  Riverside Drive

PRIVATE GARDENS HIGHLY COMMENDED

ST MARY’S  PARISH

Helen Kavanagh,  Dean Kavanagh place

Lucy Talent    Upper  Walkin Street

Maureen Logan,  Dean Kavanagh Place

PRIVATE GARDENS OVERALL 3RD PLACE

Rebecca & Priscilla Byrne,  Fatima Place

PRIVATE GARDENS OVERALL 2ND  PLACE

Jacinta Brett, Meadow Hill

PRIVATE GARDENS OVERALL WINNER 2019

Liam McCormack,  Greenfields Court

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential estate competition

RESIDENTIAL ESTATE  HIGHLY COMMENDED

ST PATRICK’S PARISH (Area A)

Dukesmeadows

Larchfield court

Beech Park

Westfield

Cedarwood Close Loughboy park / Cedarwood Drive/ Cedarwood Avenue/ Cedarwood Crescent/

Marble Crest

ST PATRICK’S PARISH (Area B)

Ashleigh Court

Fiacre’s Place

Mayfield

Edenvale Close

The Paddocks

ST JOHN’S PARISH  (Area A)

Richview

Ardilea

De la Salle place

Glendine Heights

ST JOHN’S PARISH  (Area B)

The  Orchard

Ashfield  /  Ashfield East

Rathullord

ST CANICE’S  PARISH

Talbot’s Inch

Breagagh Court

Riverside drive, Meadow hill, Greenfields road, Loreto Avenue

Broguemakers hill

The Sycamores/Aylesbury

Ayrfield

ST MARY’S  PARISH

Rose Hill Court

College Court & Old Callan road

Fr Murphy sq.

Rushbrook

BEST OVERALL RESIDENTIAL ESTATES  2019

Sponsor   St Canice’s Kilkenny  Credit Union

Joint runners up smaller residential  estates 2019 :

Lacken Drive

New Orchard estate

Winner – Best overall smaller residential estate in Kilkenny 2019

Gallow’s Hill

“the judges were impressed with the care taken by this small community to look after their estate. The small green space is neatly looked after there are attractive ivy covered walls and attractive planting in a   mature tree setting. Congratulations to Gallows Hill, on their efforts and the receipt of their overall smaller estate award in 2019“

Joint runners up larger estates 2019 :

Newpark Lower /Upper

Lintown Hall

Winner – Best overall larger residential estate in Kilkenny  2019

Rose Hill  (off Kells road)

“The judges were amazed by the extent of work which has been completed over the last number of years to improve this estate. The judges were very impressed by the attractive green spaces, variety of trees, Cootes lane and  the green spaces adjacent. The judges found the estate litter free. Congratulations to Rose Hill  on their efforts and the receipt of their overall award in 2019“

 

Kilkenny City “cleaner than European norms” 2019

Keep Kilkenny Beautiful are very pleased with the Irish Business against Litter (Ibal) overall 2018 result which gives Kilkenny city a position of 9th in the country and the  status of “Cleaner than European norms ”. Congratulations also to Fermoy for achieving the No.1 position for 2018.
Congratulations to all who have assisted in this excellent result. It  reflects the tremendous work being undertaken on an ongoing basis by many voluntary groups, organisations, businesses and Kilkenny County Council throughout our city over the last year.

Kilkenny railway station

 

An Taisce Report – IBAL Anti-Litter League, Round 2, 2018

Kilkenny: Overall 2018 result: 9th out of 40 towns / cities surveyed. Cleaner than European Norms.

Another excellent result for Kilkenny with 80% of sites getting the top litter grade. Market Cross Shopping Centre was a particularly well presented and clean site – large planter boxes certainly enhance the overall environment. Kilkenny Train Station (Exterior and Interior) was excellent – clearly it is a very well attended site; the streetscape along High Street was excellent and the grounds of Kilkenny Castle were pristine. The Recycle Bank at St. Canice’s presented well on first impression but further inspection revealed a definite litter presence.

L2627 Approach from Clara: Grade A. The overall presentation of this road was a very good one. Pathway was in good order and newly trimmed grass verges skirted the roundabout leading to the town.

Kilkenny Train Station – Exterior: Grade A. This was an impeccable site. The whole environment was very well maintained with footpath, ramp, signage, flowering pots, bins etc. in very good condition.

Kilkenny Train Station – Interior: Grade A. The interior of Kilkenny Train Station was a very fresh environment. Seating, bins, notices boards, plant boxes, hanging baskets and visitor information were in good order.

Series of empty / derelict buildings on Watergate: Grade B. (Numbers 11, 13 & 15). The presentation of this series of buildings was poor with painting peeling and overall impression a negative one. This will only deteriorate further if not addressed.

Recycle Bank by St. Canice’s: Grade B. On first impression the presentation of this recycle facility was a good one with bins and signage relating to the usage of same in good condition. It was, however, let down by a variety of litter items to the rear of the recycle units, between the bushes and bins.

Market Cross Shopping Centre: Grade A. This semi-covered shopping centre was very fresh with plenty of substantial planter boxes throughout. Seating, paving, lamps etc. all presented very well and there was a complete absence of litter throughout.

High Street: Grade A. The High Street in Kilkenny has an excellent streetscape. All aspects of the area surveyed were in very good condition. The road surface has attractive paving, creating a very fresh impression. The paving stones on the footpath looked very well. The street was further enhanced by wooden seating.

Grounds of Kilkenny Castle: Grade A. The grounds of Kilkenny Castle were in excellent order and there was a complete absence of litter throughout.

Loughboy Approach Road: Grade A. This road presented well with road surface, cycle path, signage and markings in good order. There was no obvious litter.

M9 / M10 Connecting Road to Carlow: Grade A. An excellent route. The edging of the roads was clear cut, road surfaces were in very good condition and there didn’t appear to be any visible litter.

Kilkenny castle from Lacken viewing point with river Nore under.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tidy Towns South East Awards 2018

Keep Kilkenny Beautiful welcomes all  South East winners to Kilkenny on  Tuesday 6th November to the Spring Hill Court Hotel, Waterford rd. located just off the City ring road on the Waterford road.

For information on the location of Hotel  click here (to Google maps).

for information  on Hotel  click here for hotel website

Springhill Court Hotel

Spring Hill Court Hotel

Extreme dry spell in Kilkenny City

Keep Kilkenny Beautiful Awards 2018.

Update due to extreme dry conditions in Kilkenny City:

KKB has taken the decision  to cancel  the Private Gardens awards element of our Kilkenny City Annual  Awards Competition for   2018. This is due to the unprecedented dry spell here in Kilkenny.  Irish water has requested all to  conserve water and there is also  the requirement to observe a  hose pipe ban currently.  All other award categories  are not impacted.

The Private Gardens Awards  will be reinstated again in 2019.

Keep Kilkenny Beautiful awards 2017

There was a large attendance at the Keep Kilkenny Beautiful awards 2017 took place on the 7th November.

Keep Kilkenny Beautiful awards 2017 results

Best commercial floral display
Highly commended

O’Lanagain, Rose Inn St.
Rafter Dempsey’s, Friary St.
Rothe House Parliament St.
Winner
Bollard’s public house, Kieran St.
Flowering baskets and attractive seating area

Most improved commercial premises
Highly commended

Mullen’s Butchers, Friary St.
Cake face, Irishtown
Glanbia House, Ring road, Kilkenny
Winner
Kilkenny Inn Hotel, Vicar St.
Nice new outside seating area complemented with colourful planting

Best shop front
Highly commended

D&R Antiques, Rose Inn St.
Langton’s Hotel, John St.
Winner
The Dylan, John St.
Red painted traditional shop front with hanging baskets

Best shop signage
Highly commended

Glendine Inn, Castlecomer Rd.
Kilkenny Crafts, Rose Inn St.
Winner
The Butterslip shop, Rose Inn St. / Kieran St.
Attractive painted shop front and window display.

Best Kilkenny Hospitality
Fanad House, Bennettsbridge Rd.,
Hibernian Hotel, Patrick St.,
Winner
Springhill Court Hotel, Waterford Rd.,
Attractive outside seating area with attractive floral displays

Best Commercial centre
Highly commended
Newpark shopping centre
Market Cross shopping centre
McDonald’s, Hebron Rd.,
McDonagh Junction shopping centre.

Winner
Aldi Waterford rd.,
Imaginative planting following their recent upgrade, the national tidy towns adjudicator also noted “we were most impressed by the planting scheme at and adjacent to Aldi, the judge also said that this is the best supermarket planting we personally have seen”

Commendation For evening shop displays,
Presenting attractive shop front display in the evening.
Gift Horse, Rose Inn St.
Goods, High St.

Heroes in our Community Award
Frank Blanch
Regular Clean ups in the Loughboy area

Cathleen Seaver
Regular Clean ups in the Waterford rd. area.

The Brendan Lawless Memorial Award
Medieval Mile Museum, Mary’s Lane,
” This award is for the attractive restoration of St Mary’s church as the Medieval Mile Museum. The national tidy towns judge stated in the 2017 adjudication report “You have a fantastic built environment which you take care of very well. Your Medieval Mile is looking splendid…. We loved the work carried out to St. Mary’s in true conservation manner and housing all those wonderful artefacts, heretofore hidden in storage, and putting them on display for the public to see is excellent. “

Hidden gems award
Andrea O’Farrell, Tilbury place,
The judges were impressed with this little gem. Making great use of a very small front yard area and bringing life to the laneway. There are fruit plants, flowers, seating area, clothes line, seat, place for bins and toys.

Rinuccini’s, The Parade
For creative vegetable garden behind the railings to front of building.

Tourist hostel, Parliament street
The vertical wall of colour produced on this narrow frontage impressed the judges, the planting is updated during the year and gives a colourful welcome to passers-by and visitors to the Hostel

Hall of Fame Award
Elaine Bradshaw
This hall of Fame award is awarded in recognition of the contribution of a citizen who has selflessly given of her time and effort for the betterment of Kilkenny City and the Tidy Towns movement over many years. Always involved, meeting, greeting, coaxing and cajoling, seeking to get the best for Kilkenny City, Keep Kilkenny Beautiful are honoured to present this year’s award to Elaine Bradshaw.

PRIVATE GARDENS HIGHLY COMMENDED
ST CANICE’S PARISH
Ber Brennan, Parkview Freshford Rd.
Breda Slattery, Meadow Hill
Pat Shortall, Riverside Drive
Martin  Cleere, Connolly St.
Nuala Crotty, Dun Angus, Castlecomer Road

PRIVATE GARDENS HIGHLY COMMENDED ST JOHN’S PARISH

Nuala Byrne, Rosemount, Newpark Drive
Canice and Maura Hickey,  Newpark
Mary Nolan,  Lacken Drive

PRIVATE GARDENS HIGHLY COMMENDED ST MARY’S PARISH
Pauleen Phelan, Dean Kavanagh Place
Maureen Logan, Dean Kavanagh Place
Teresa and Noel Devlin,  Circular road

PRIVATE GARDENS HIGHLY COMMENDED ST PATRICK’S PARISH

Ann Mullhall,  Noremount
Edward Bourke,  Cypress Avenue
Caroline & Noel Carroll, Hazel Grove
Mary and John Cahill, Westfield
Joan Murray, Fr. Hayden road

CITY- BEST OVERALL PRIVATE GARDEN 2016
Runners up

Mary Deevy, Riverside Drive
Joan O’Sullivan, Riverview

BEST OVERALL PRIVATE GARDEN 2017
Winner
Toni Hayes, Glendine Heights

RESIDENTIAL ESTATE HIGHLY COMMENDED ST PATRICK’S PARISH

Dukesmeadows
Edenvale Close
Marble Crest
Gallows Hill

RESIDENTIAL ESTATE HIGHLY COMMENDED ST CANICE’S PARISH

Broguemaker’s Hill
Sycamores/Aylesbury
Talbots Inch

RESIDENTIAL ESTATE HIGHLY COMMENDED ST JOHN’S PARISH

Lacken Drive
Newpark Lawn
Richview

RESIDENTIAL ESTATE HIGHLY COMMENDED ST MARY’S PARISH

Rose Hill Court
Old Callan road

BEST OVERALL RESIDENTIAL ESTATES 2017

2017 Smaller estate
Beech Park

“the judges were impressed with the care taken by this small community to look after their estate. The small green space at the rear is neatly looked after with colourful flowers at the base of the trees. The 2017  national tidy towns adjudication report also noted the estate and in particular mentioned the rose planting at the entrance ”… The lovely rose bed at the entrance to the Tennis club was admired” .. Congratulations to Beech Park, on their efforts and the receipt of their overall award in 2017 “

2017 Larger estate
Lakeside

“the judges were amazed by the extent of work which has been completed over the last number of years to improve this large estate. The judges were very impressed by the lake and all of the wildlife, the fruit trees, wild flower planting,  colourful flower area and also the composting area. The judges found the estate litter free. Congratulations to Lakeside on their efforts and the receipt of their overall award in 2017 “

Annual KKB awards 2016 announced

The annual KKB awards ceremony took place at Langton’s Hotel, the main results were as follows:

Best Commercial floral display

Highly Commended:

Rafter Dempsey’s,  Friary Street

McCreery Auctioneers, Parliament st

D&R Antiques,  Rose Inn Street

    Winner

O’Lanagain, Rose Inn street  olanagain-p1000886

 

Most Improved Commercial Premises

Highly Commended:

Fish Face,  Upper Patrick street

Maibe Carey, Parliament st

Café 22,  Rose Inn Street

        Winner    

Springhill Court Hotel, Waterford rdspringhill-court-p1000906

  Best Shop Front     

Highly Commended:

Marble City Barbers, John Street.

Mr. Simms Sweet Shoppe,  Market Cross

Marble City Bar, High Street

Winner –    

Syd Harkins, Rose Inn Street.sid-harkins-p1000883

  Best Shop Signage

      Commended:     

Langton’s, John Street

Kilkenny Academy of Music, Ormonde Rd

Shortis Wong,  John Street

   Winner – 

Matt the Millers, John St/John’s Quaymatt-the-millers-p1000888

                Best Kilkenny Hospitality              Display

    Commended:  

Newpark Hotel, Castlecomer rd.,

Park Villa B+B,  Castlecomer Rd.

Winner  

Fanad House, Bennettsbridge fanad-house-img_3579Road

      Best Commercial Centre

Commended:                    Market Cross Shopping Centre

Winner                 McDonagh junction, Shopping centre

mcdonagh-junction-p1000871

Heroes in our Community Award

Pat Boyd    Environmental improvement

Sr.  Noreen      Troy’s Court

Michael Henebry    Environmental improvement  De La Salle

 

Fitzpatrick Perpetual Shield for Community Effort   

St John’s Priory      st-johns-priory-img_2847

The Brendan Lawless Memorial Award

Commendation:     St Fiacre’s gardens  St. Patrick’s parish   st-fiacres-gardens-p1000936

Winner: Troys Court   troys-court-p1000938

Keep Kilkenny Beautiful  Gems  Award

Timothey Clifford , Lord Edward street

Dave Ryan, New Building lane

Glendine heights  Mr Tree!!    (resident association)

Paul Byrne, Rosewood  Residence

Catherine Kimmins,  Poyntz lane

Ena Duffy,   Fr Delahunty Terrace.

Hall of Fame Award

Sean Leahy

PRIVATE GARDENS HIGHLY COMMENDED  ST CANICE’S  PARISH

Kieran Phelan,   Connolly st.

Martin Cleere  Connolly street

Linda Phelan,   Pearse st

Sadhbh O’Neill,  Talbots Inch

 

PRIVATE GARDENS HIGHLY COMMENDED ST JOHN’S PARISH

Sean and Mairead Delaney, Glenview  Castlecomer rdglenview-dscf9454

Inara Saroka,  Ossory Park

Katherine Duffe,  Glendine Heights

PRIVATE GARDENS HIGHLY COMMENDED ST MARY’S  PARISH

Joan Campion,  Old Callan rd

Brigit Breen,   Dean Kavanagh place

Maureen Logan,  Dean Kavanagh place

Eileen Tynan,  Old Callan road

PRIVATE GARDENS HIGHLY COMMENDED ST PATRICK’S PARISH

Madeleine O’Neill,  Elm Green

Susan and Seamus Butler,  Dukesmeadows Ave., Bennettsbridge  Rd

Linda Sweeney, Haltigan Terrace

Michael & Michele Kealy, Mikaela, Maiden Hill

CITY- BEST OVERALL PRIVATE GARDEN 2016 Runners up

Caroline  Grincell  Talbots Inch11-talbots-inch-dscf9640

Toni Hayes Glendine Heights

Helen Devlin,  Cedarwood Drive  30-ceadarwood-drive-img_4439

 

BEST OVERALL PRIVATE GARDEN 2016

Marian Finlay, Killsallagh, College Gardenskilsallagh-dsc_0107

RESIDENTIAL ESTATE  HIGHLY COMMENDED ST PATRICK’S PARISH 

Cedarwood drive,

Ardnore,

Melville, Bennettsbridge road.

Dukesmeadows,

RESIDENTIAL ESTATE HIGHLY COMMENDED ST CANICE’S  PARISH

Talbots inch  talbots-inch-dscf9645

Riverside Drive

  RESIDENTIAL ESTATE HIGHLY COMMENDED ST JOHN’S PARISH

O’Loughlin Road

Lakeside

RESIDENTIAL ESTATE HIGHLY COMMENDED   ST MARY’S  PARISH

Fr Murphy square

Fatima Place

BEST OVERALL RESIDENTIAL ESTATE  2016

Smaller   estate

de la Salle Placede-la-salle-place-2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Larger  estate  

Ardilea   ardilea-dscf9478

Parish award  

St Patrick’s Parishst-fiacres-gardens-p1000931

 

Kilkenny city is honoured at Southeast regional awards 2015

Clonegal was the venue for the 2015 Southeast Regional Awards. Congratulations to Clonegal for hosting a most enjoyable event. Kilkenny city received their 2015 Gold  Medal award and also the County Award during the event.

Members of the keep Kilkenny beautiful celebrate with Clonegal Tidy Village Association chairman following the award ceremony.

Members of Keep Kilkenny Beautiful celebrate with John Dunne Clonegal Tidy Village Association Chairman following the award ceremony.

 

Tourism Towns 2015

Kilkenny City has been short-listed in  the 2015 Tourism Towns competition. The Awards Ceremony takes place in Dublin later in November.  The key judging criteria are set out under:

Kilkenny Castle Park  July 2015

Kilkenny Castle Park July 2015

• Sense of Place – How our City tells its own unique story to visitors, what’s special about it, and what distinguishes it from other towns and Cities.

  • Local Involvement – How our local community works together to provide an authentic visitor experience.

• Tourism Products Available – What our City has to offer visitors.

• Development and promotion of our City – How our City  takes a unified approach to marketing and developing  into a “tourism town”

Celebrating  a successful clean up!

Celebrating a successful clean up!

Annual Awards 2015

The KKB Annual Awards took place at Langton’s Hotel  on the 2nd November 2015.

Best Commercial floral display  

Commended:              Billy Byrnes,  John street

The Dylan, John street

Bollards, Kieran street

Winner             O’Lanagain, Rose Inn street

Most Improved Commercial Premises 

Commended:              Glendine Inn, Castlecomer Road

Smithwick’s Experience, Parliament Street

Zipyard , Irishtown

Winner             La Rivista, Parliament Street

Best Shop Front   

Commended:              Willoughby’s, High Street

Marble City Barbers, John Street

Bridie’s,  John Street

Winner –           Yesterdays, Patrick Street

Best Shop Signage    

Commended:              Lenehan’s, Castlecomer Rd.

Kilkenny Crafts, Rose Inn Street

Campion Dental, Watergate Street

Winner –           The Gift Horse, Rose Inn Street

attractive hand-painted shop front in prominent location, showing that the art of sign writing is still strong in Kilkenny”

Best Kilkenny Hospitality        Display   

Commended:              Mena House, Castlecomer Road

Kilkenny House Hotel,  Freshford Road

Winner             Fanad House, Bennettsbridge Road

P1000658

“once again this year a very attractive floral display provides a colourful welcome to our city’s visitors “

Best Commercial Centre    

Commended:              Market Cross Shopping Centre

“extensive upgrading and decoration of the exterior of the centre took place over the last year improving presentation to the City”

Winner             Aldi, Waterford Road

“Aldi sets a very high standard in relation to providing an  attractive landscaped surrounding to their store”

Heroes in our Community

“These awards are given to people from our community  who have shown leadership in their community over many years. It is through the quiet work of citizens in our community that strengthens our community spirit. The Heroes in our community awards  recipients for 2015   are…

Marty Bambrick

Phylis O’Rourke

Fitzpatrick perpetual shield for Community effort

“This award is in recognition  of  a group from  our  community in Kilkenny who have tackled the problems in their community in a positive hands on way. Whether it was litter picking, cleaning  and brushing;  painting railing and walls  and removal of Graffiti, trimming hedges, improving of the City  Slips or suburban roads or giving a helping  hand to Residents Associations, this group came out to work with the KKB and the Community.   This year’s winner of the Fitzpatrick Perpetual shield for Community Effort is the….

 “Kilkenny Presbyterian group”.

The Brendan Lawless Memorial Environmental award

In 2013 Kilkenny lost one of its most unique sons and a former Chairman of Keep Kilkenny Beautiful, Brendan Lawless. Brendan is remembered for his wonderful artistic skills and his one-off hand painted signs throughout the City. In memory of Brendan, the Keep Kilkenny Beautiful committee present commendations and the  2015  award to those  who have made a special effort in 2015 to Keep Kilkenny Beautiful.

Commendations:    

Switzers Trust,   Bennettsbridge Road                                                                              Attractive garden with  play spaces and  sitting area for historic  residential ensemble Breagagh House,  Kells Road                                                                                           Upkeep of  well maintained communal gardens                                                                   St Canice’s Cathedral                                                                                              Attractive new  interpretative signage for visitors                                                                    Butler Court, Patrick street                                                                                            Upkeep of   archway Access and  Laneway off the main street                                       St John’s Day Centre and residential units                                                                      Well kept premises with  inviting  colourful planting

Environmental Trophy Recipient  2015                      Rothe House and Gardens

“Rothe  House and gardens are very special and unique. The gardens received a special award from the Communities in Bloom judges in July 2015. The gardens were also finalists in the 2015 international awards of the Communities in Bloom competition in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada where they got special mention and Kilkenny received  a 5 bloom award. Rothe house and Gardens are a worthy recipient of the Brendan Lawless Memorial environmental award 2015”

P1000653

Best all year round colour award 2015

This award is presented to city centre premises who  make a special  effort to have all year round planting floral colour. Whether it is winter or spring, autumn  or summer the following recipients worked throughout the year to provide an attractive colourful presentation at their premises.

Recipients:                  6 Patrick Street

The Parade House,  The Parade

Kytelers Inn, Rose Inn Street.

Kilkenny Tourist  Hostel, Parliament Street.

Hall of Fame Award

“The hall of Fame award is awarded in recognition of the contribution of citizens who have given their time and effort to the betterment of Kilkenny and the Tidy Towns movement.

This year’s award is granted to a person who has worked tirelessly for the improvement of Kilkenny city over many years.

The achievement of the Ibal three in a row overall award for Kilkenny and also the winning for a second time by Kilkenny of the National tidy towns award 2014 could not have been achieved without the efforts of many persons and in particular without the efforts of this year’s recipient who was Kilkenny Executive  Engineer until his retirement earlier in the autumn.   The Keep Kilkenny committee are honoured to present this year’s award  to”….

Kieran Fitzgerald.

Parish and City wide residential  Awards

Residential estate competition

The judging criteria for this competition included the following headings. The structure of the garden; Landscaping; Sustainable planting /year round planting; Annual planting/ flowers;  Overall impression.

  • Best Private Gardens, Highly commended, St. Canice’s Parish

Dun Angus,  Castlecomer road

Michael Kelly, Riverside villa, Riverside drive

Michael & Patricia Shortall,  3 Riverside Drive

Breda Slattery, 17 Meadow Hill

  • Best Private Gardens, Highly commended, St. John’s Parish

Ber Delaney,  6 Assumption Heights

Susanne Sheridan,  32 Glenbawn

Nuala and John Byrne,  16 Newpark Drive

Paul & Phyllis O’Callaghan,  5 Lintown Court

  • Best Private Gardens Highly Commended St. Mary’s Parish

Eileen Tynan 71 Old Callan road

Mary Reynolds, 10 St. Francis Terrace

Maureen Logan, 74 Dean Kavanagh place

149 St. Rioch’s St.

  • Best Private Gardens Highly commended, St. Patrick’s Parish

Denis Mulhall, 15  Noremount

Frank & Mary Blanch,  9 Cedarwood Close

Mary Lacey,  38 Riverview

Siobhan O’Keefe, 71 Larchfield

  • City Best overall private garden 2015 –  Runners up

Delaney Family, 40 Richview,  Castlecomer Road

Ray Mccawley, Hill View, Meadow Hill

9 Fr Delahunty Terrace, Old Callan Rd

  • City Best overall private garden 2015- Winner

Noel and Caroline Carroll,  36 Hazel Grove

“this garden forms an oasis to be enjoyed,  there is a variety of planting types and colours with a mixture of annuals and perennials. There is colour at ground level at medium level and in hanging baskets. The ensemble is  supplemented by paved areas and sculptures and is protected by evergreen hedging. “

number 36 Hazel Grove

Residential estate competition

The judging criteria for this competition included the following headings; The Built Environment and streetscape;   Landscaping;  Wildlife and Natural Amenities;  Tidiness & Litter Control;  Sustainable Waste and Resource Management; Overall impression.

Residential estates highly commended

  • Residential estate highly commended St. Patricks Parish

Deans Court, Waterford Road

Dukesmeadows, Bennettsbridge road

  • Residential estate highly commended St. Canices Parish

Sycamores & Aylesbury, Freshford Road

Broguemakers Hill, Greens Bridge

  • Residential estate highly commended St. Johns Parish

Richview, Castlecomer Road

Newpark Close

  • Residential estate highly commended St. Marys Parish

Dean Cavanagh Place

St. Francis Terrace

Section 4: Overall Awards

Best overall residential estates highly commended

  • Highly commended – larger residential estate

Lintown Hall

Robertshill, Circular Road

Talbot’s Inch Freshford Road

  • Highly commended – Best overall smaller, residential estate

Beechpark, Bennettsbridge road

Clarnwood, Freshford Road

Rose Hill Court, Circular Road

  • Winner – Best overall smaller residential estate in Kilkenny

Bishop Birch Place,  

“the judges were amazed by the extent of work which has been completed over the last number of years to improve the estate. There is a vibrant community. The judges found the area litter free. There are also very attractive individual houses with planted gardens and baskets and some are also  recycling water using water butts. There are many incidental planted areas, a pump and trough feature in the green space and an attractive wall planting to cover walls on the entrance road. There are many trees and a large green space. Congratulations to Bishop Birch place on their efforts and the receipt of their overall award in 2015 “

Bishop Birch place 1

Bishop Birch place 2

  • Winner – Best overall larger residential estate in Kilkenny

Melville Heights, Bennettsbridge Rd.,   

“Melville heights is located at an important entry point into the city at the Junction of the ring road and the Bennettsbridge road. There is an extensive sustainable planted bank at the entrance with many different flowers and shrubs. The estate looks after the roadside bank area which has rare orchid flowers. There are open spaces, planted areas, feature rockeries and extensive tree planting throughout the estate. In the last year there was also extensive bulb planting. The estate entrance sign bed has attractive year-round planting. It takes a lot of work to keep a large estate in such a good condition, the judges recognise the extensive efforts and work which has been undertaken on a voluntary basis by the estate, congratulations to Melville on their overall award for 2015 “

melville 2

 

  • Best Tidy Towns Parish in Kilkenny City in 2015

This award is an  initiative by the committee of Keep Kilkenny Beautiful to encourage each of the four City parishes to focus on community spirit  through well-kept neighbourhoods, painted buildings and positive community initiatives to maintain streets, estates, public spaces, gardens, community and religious sites in our City.

This award is not judged by local judges but the decision is based on the National Tidy towns adjudicators report which is available on tidytowns.ie. This award aims to encourage, support and foster greater environmental awareness at a parish community level throughout the City.

St  John’s Parish