Churchfield residents Susan Mulcahy, Cait O’Donoghue, Andrew O’Byrne, Siobhan Carr and Donal Darcy with Breda Shankey, dep Chair SCA, and Mayor Tom O’Leary.

There was a great turnout in the Harps on Thursday 20th Nov for the annual Tidy
Towns Volunteer Appreciation and Awards Night.

Chair Maeve McGann opened the event by welcoming all, including Mayor Tom
O’Leary, and TD Grace Boland, and remembered May McGee, who sadly passed away
on October 28, 2025.

The mosaic in Floraville, commissioned by Skerries Tidy Towns, with the support of the
Community Association and the Chamber of Commerce, will remain as a fitting tribute
to this brave woman.

Maeve reminded us of Skerries’ strong position in this year’s national competition,
coming second in Dublin, only five points from the overall winners Carrick on Shannon, and winning our 25th consecutive Gold Medal.

She pointed out that Skerries’ strength lies in the great work not only being done by Tidy Towns but by groups such as Sustainable Skerries, the Cycling Initiative, the
Community Garden, and the people who Adopt a Patch in their neighbourhoods or on
the beaches.

She encouraged people to sign up either to Adopt a Patch or to join us on the weekly
work parties, and to sign up for the Pollinator Plant giveaway next year, the purpose of which is to encourage pollinators throughout Skerries.

Gerard and Siobhan Boylan of Skerries Frameworks with Mayor Tom O’Leary and artist Kristina Keegan

Light refreshments were provided, and the winners of this year’s local awards were
announced.

The winner of Best Presented House in an Estate was Theresa McManus of Kelly’s Bay Weir. The adjudicators commented on the abundance of colourful pollinator friendly
planting, including at the kerb area, and the maximising of a relatively small space with
brightly coloured planters.

Theresa McManus, Kelly’s Bay Weir, with Marian Forde (STT) and Mayor Tom O’Leary

The Best Presented Non-Estate House was ‘Glenbeigh’, on the South Strand. This
award was sponsored by the Progressive Credit Union. When seen in early August the
garden was a riot of colour, including the bees’ favourite, a thriving fuchsia bush. Well
done to Therese and Brian Sherwin.

Wildcat Lane in Mourne View was judged the Best Presented Laneway. This lane had
been quite run down but has been resurfaced and the walls painted and containers with
creepers and flowers have been planted. This was thanks to the hard work of the
Mourne Estate Residents Association, who have made the lane a pleasant place for all
to use, going to and from Scoil Realt na Mara or to the beach.

Sarah Jane Donnelly’s salon ‘Hair’ in Strand St was judged the Most Accessible
Business. There is plenty of room inside to turn a wheelchair or mobility scooter, access
to the wash basins is easy and the staff are very considerate.

Sarah Jane Donnelly of “Hair” salon, Strand St with Marian Forde (STT) and Mayor Tom O’Leary

Best Visual Display went to AnnMarie Dowling Smith of Whizz Kids in Strand Street.
This award was also sponsored by the Progressive Credit Union. The adjudicators
commented on how there is always something eye-catching in the window displays
which change according to the season, cultural or sporting events.

Churchfield was awarded a trophy, sponsored by Skerries Community Association, for
Best Presented Estate. Their 10 person Residents’ Association works tirelessly on
improvements to their green areas, their approach road and lane, as well as organising
social events for children and for the more mature residents. They have also organised
the installation of a Defibrillator and a course is to take place shortly to give residents
the skills to administer CPR and to use the Defibrillator. Their very informative
Facebook page also got a mention. Well done to all in Churchfield!

This year’s winner of the Best Presented Premises was Skerries Frameworks in Church St, owned by Gerard and Siobhan Boylan. The prize, an original painting of the premises, was presented by the artist Kristina Keegan, and sponsored by Tidy Towns. This bright, colourful and exceptionally well-kept business was a well-deserved winner for its positive contribution to the streetscape of Church Street.

Marian Forde of STT, AnnMarie Dowling of Whizzkids and Mayor Tom O’Leary

So now thoughts turn to preparing for our entry into the 2026 National Tidy Towns
Competition! The Committee will always welcome new joiners and are also open to
suggestions and new ideas from the community in Skerries.

We can be contacted by email: tidytownsskerries@gmail.com

As ever, the ongoing financial support by so many local people is much appreciated. If
you would like to contribute, please log on to our iDonate page,
https://www.idonate.ie/event/SkerriesTidyTowns25
Or donations can be given to any Committee member or left in an envelope for us at the
Reception Desk in the Community Centre. Thank you again, your support makes all the
difference!
Skerries Tidy Towns,
Protecting the Environment
A Committee of Skerries Community Association