THE presentation of awards in the 2017 ‘Clare in Bloom’, ‘Best Kept Local Authority Estate’ and ‘Pride of Place’ competitions will be held at Áras Contae an Chláir in Ennis on Tuesday, October 17 at 7pm.

The annual Clare Community Awards Night will be hosted by the Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council.

We’re big fans of Clare in Bloom as it gives community groups a reason to show off their towns and villages by means of flower, tree and shrub planting schemes. Ballynacally Tidy Towns was named overall winner of last year’s competition, while the Cathaoirleach’s Award was presented to Labasheeda Tidy Towns. Meanwhile, this year’s competition will see the inaugural Betty Devanny Memorial Award presented to the ‘Most Improved’ group.

In 2016, residents associations from around Clare were honoured in the ‘Best Kept Local Authority Estate’ competition. The overall winner was Connaught Road, Scariff, which was awarded an engraved plaque, a cheque for €600 and the Mary Hennessy Memorial Award.

Cllr Tom McNamara, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, said “This awards night, which is supported by numerous sponsors throughout Clare, is the Local Authority’s way of thanking community groups and individuals for the valuable work they carry out. Their work not only has a positive impact on their localities, but has a real benefit in terms of the economy and particularly in terms of tourism in Clare,” added the Cathaoirleach.

The Clare Community Awards Night takes place in the public foyer of Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, on Tuesday, October 17 at 7pm.