Carrigart committee delighted after cleaning up at Tidy Towns awards

CARRIGART Tidy Towns spokesperson Columba Boyce has shared how the group is still in shock following the announcement that the village had won the Gaeltacht Award in this year’s Tidy Towns Competition.

However, that surprise was quickly surpassed by the news that Carrigart had also been awarded a Gold Medal.

“It’s a quantum leap from bronze to gold,” said Mr Boyce.

“We had hoped we might reach silver within the next few years, so this result has exceeded all expectations.”

For the record, Carrigart received 392 marks and third place in Donegal, an impressive increase of 17 marks — a phenomenal achievement at this level of the competition.

Buncrana claimed first place in Donegal with 398 marks, while Letterkenny took second place with 397 marks.

The group expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed throughout the year, including local residents and businesses for their sponsorship and support.

Special appreciation was extended to the three workers employed on the Rural and Social Scheme — John Trearty, Brian Mc Clafferty, and Frances Gallagher — whose dedication was instrumental in achieving this success.

“Thanks also to all the householders who painted and improved their premises,” added Mr Boyce.

“Finally, warm congratulations to our neighbours Downings, who secured 333 marks and continue to make steady progress each year, achieving consistent double-digit improvements.”

Dúirt urlabhraí Choiste na mBailte Slachtmhara i gCarraig Airt, Colm Ó Buaidhe, gur baineadh geit mhór astu nuair a fógraíodh gurb é an baile a bhain Gradam na Gaeltachta i gComórtas na bliana seo. Ach, cuireadh go mór le seo nuair a fógraíodh fosta gur bronnadh Bonn Óir ar Charraig Airt.

“Céim mhór chun tosaigh atá ann – ag dul ó bhonn chré-umha go bonn óir” a dúirt Colm.

“Bhí muid ag súil bonn airgid a fháil amach anseo, ach, is cinnte go sáraíonn an t-aitheantas seo ár mianta.”

Mar eolas, bronnadh 392 marc agus an tríú háit i nDún na nGall ar Charraig Airt, ardú mór de 17 marc, agus ardú ollmhór ag an leibheál seo den chomórtas. Bronnadh an chéad áit i nDún na nGall ar Bhun Cranncha le 398 marc agus an dara háit ar Leitir Ceanainn le 397 marc.

Ba mhaith le Coiste Charraig Airt fíor bhuíochas a thabhairt d’achan duine a chuidigh agus a ghlac páirt i rith na bliana, ina measc bunadh na háite agus lucht gnó a thug tacaíocht agus urraíocht.

Tugadh ómós agus aitheantas speisialta don triúir oibrí ar Scéim Tuaithe agus Sóisialta – John Trearty, Brian Mc Clafferty agus Frances Gallagher. Chuir a ndúthracht agus a ndílseacht go mór leis an ghradam seo a fháil.

“Buíochas fosta do bhunadh na háite a fheabhsaigh agus a phéinteáil a gcuid tithe agus áitribh,” a dúirt Colm.

“Ar deireadh, ba mhaith linn comhghairdeas ó chroí a dhéanamh lenár gcomharsana sna Dúnaibh a fuair 333 marc agus a dhéanann dul chun cinn leanúnach agus suntasach achan bhliain agus iad ag baint amach méadú dédhigiteach i gcónaí.”