President Higgins hosts Abbeyleix Tidy Towns group
President Higgins hosts Abbeyleix Tidy Towns volunteers at Áras an Uachtaráin
DELIGHTED volunteers from Abbeyleix Tidy Towns were welcomed to Áras an Uachtaráin on Friday afternoon by President Michael D. Higgins, in one of his last official engagements before leaving office.
It was a proud day for the dedicated committee that has scooped countless awards for the beautiful heritage town, most memorably the Ireland’s Tidiest Town title in 2023.
Immaculately maintained Abbeyleix, which celebrates its 250th anniversary this year, also scooped an incredible 10th consecutive gold in the 2025 Tidy Towns competition in October.
The gold award, the town’s 14th overall, came just a week after Abbeyleix won international awards at the Communities in Bloom contest in Canada.
Led by chairperson Robbie Quinn, the Abbeyleix group typically travelled to the Áras in a truly sustainable fashion, as they shared a bus with members of Ballincollig Tidy Towns, winners of the 2024 overall title and representatives of Tidy Towns Ireland.
The Abbeyleix and Ballincollig groups were hosted by President Higgins in recognition of their achievement in winning the overall national title, reflecting their tireless commitment to their home towns.
Abbeyleix Tidy Towns said on social media: ‘It was a pleasure to meet Uachtarán na hÉireann, Michael D. Higgins, on one of his final official engagements at Áras an Uachtaráin in Phoenix Park.
‘We were given a lovely welcome by the President and his staff, in recognition of the incredible dedication and hard work our volunteers give year after year. A truly memorable and meaningful occasion!’
