County Galway has secured two Gold Medals and a series of national awards in the 2026 SuperValu TidyTowns competition, with Abbey named the county’s overall winner and Tidiest Village.
Abbey and Milltown received Gold Medals, while Clarinbridge and Ballygar won Silver Medals. Oranmore and Tuam were awarded Bronze Medals in recognition of their work to improve their local environments.
Abbey topped the county rankings, with Milltown in second place and Clarinbridge third. Milltown retained its Gold Medal, while Clarinbridge secured Silver Medal status. The results reflect the sustained efforts of volunteers who work throughout the year to improve their communities.
The county also performed strongly in the competition’s special award categories. Headford TidyTowns was named a joint national winner of the Greenways and Active Travel Award, recognising its work in promoting sustainable travel and improving opportunities for walking and cycling.
Ballygar TidyTowns won the Gum Litter Award in the Village and Small Town category and was also named the overall national winner of the award. Tuam TidyTowns received national winner status in the Large Town category, while Scoil Naofa Barna was named a regional winner in the Schools Award category.
Lettermullen/Ballinakill received the County Endeavour Award, which recognises the progress made by the group and its work to improve the local area.
Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, Cllr Andrew Reddington, attended the awards ceremony in Dublin and congratulated the successful groups, paying tribute to the volunteers whose work has helped communities across the county achieve recognition.
“TidyTowns groups are at the core of everything good done in the community. Their work plays a huge role in enhancing our towns and villages as places to live, work, visit and do business,” he said.
Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, said the success of the groups reflected the pride people take in their communities and their determination to make them better places to live, work and visit.
“Galway County Council is delighted to support TidyTowns groups across the county throughout the year. These groups make an enormous contribution to their local areas, often through years of voluntary work, and the council recognises the value of that commitment.
“Their work delivers lasting benefits for the environment and enhances the quality of life in towns and villages throughout Galway. I congratulate all the groups recognised in this year’s competition and thank the volunteers who give so generously of their time.”
Michael Owens, Director of Services for Community Development at Galway County Council, said the results highlighted the range of work being undertaken by groups across the county.
“That work includes protecting biodiversity, improving public spaces, reducing litter, promoting sustainability and supporting active travel initiatives. These achievements are built on the time, energy and community spirit of volunteers working throughout the year,” he said.
Mr Owens said the Council would continue to support community efforts to enhance local areas and promote pride of place.
The SuperValu TidyTowns competition is one of Ireland’s best-known community initiatives, with groups recognised for their work to improve the appearance, environmental quality and sustainability of their towns and villages.
