The Wicklow village of Kiltegan is the overall winner of the national Tidy Towns competition.
The small, peaceful village of Kiltegan in County Wicklow is the overall winner of the Bord Failte National Tidy Towns Competition. Kiltegan lies close to the border with County Carlow, straddling the road between Baltinglass and Hacketstown.
According to tradition, Kiltegan owes its name to Saint Tegan who was a disciple of Saint Patrick. The village grew up around the estate of the Hume family. Humewood Castle in Kiltegan is where Michael Dwyer the Wicklow leader of the 1798 Rebellion surrendered to William Hume, Member of Parliament (MP), in 1803.
The Kiltegan population of 70 is taking the Tidy Towns success calmly,
The reaction to the win seems to be one of quiet pride.
However, there will be a function where they are awarded a commemorative plaque and the £1,000 winner’s prize.
Nowadays many of the residents of Kiltegan are retired and the main local work is farming. Given the size of the village, its Tidy Towns endeavour was very much a community operation. The Tidy Towns judges awarded Kiltegan 140 out of a possible 150 marks.
Local residents hope the national award will help Kiltegan develop a tourist trade. However the Tidy Towns judges warn,
In Kiltegan there could be pressure for development which cannot be stopped but it should be directed so that the charm and quality of the village is not destroyed.
In more general comments on the Tidy Towns competition, the judges note the very high standards on display are evidence of the enthusiasm and hard work of all the towns involved.
An RTÉ News report 13 September 1973. The reporter is Eddie Barrett.
