Broughshane named '˜Best Kept Town in Ireland'

With shortlisted category winners from across the island, from Cork and Tipperary to the Northern Ireland counties, it is a huge accolade for the County Antrim town.

The annual celebration, which has been running since 1995 and is part of the Tidy Towns initiative, recognises towns and villages across Ireland which consistently take pride in their surroundings.

Before being revealed as the top winner at this year’s event, Broughshane claimed the ‘Best Kept Small Town’ category award. Clinching the overall all-Ireland title shortly after confirmed that it is the cleanest, tidiest and best kept town on the island.

Meanwhile Armagh scooped the accolade of ‘Best Kept Large Town’ in Ireland, which includes locations with city status.

Addressing guests at the ceremony in Belfast and presenting Broughshane with the ‘Best Kept Town in Ireland’ award, Michelle McIlveen, Minister for the Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural affairs said: “I congratulate Broughshane on winning this prestigious Award. I am particularly pleased for those volunteers in Broughshane who, after many years of trying, finally take home this year’s ‘Overall Winner’ Award. To be named ‘Best Kept Town in Ireland’ is a huge achievement and demonstrates that our small towns can compete on the biggest stage.”

“I commend the Northern Ireland Amenity Council (NIAC) on its success in promoting civic pride for almost 60 years. The work they undertake, in partnership with volunteers, such as those in Broughshane, has obvious immediate effects, for example, tidy streets, neat towns and colourful floral displays as well as neighbourhood pride and community involvement.

The organisers and volunteers in Broughshane should be rightly proud of their award today.”

Congratulating all this year’s award recipients, Doreen Muskett MBE, President, NIAC, said: “It is outstanding to see Broughshane take the overall title, this is a terrific achievement.”