Clonakilty wins the top European Tidy Towns award, Entente Florale.
Twelve months after success in the National Tidy Towns Award, Clonakilty in County Cork is celebrating again after winning the European Entente Florale. Clonakilty is the first ever Irish town to win the Entente Florale, beating off competition from towns in nine other European countries.
Barry Kirby of the local committee, says Clonakilty has now established itself as a beautiful town in Europe. He hopes that the win will bring both Irish and European visitors to Clonakilty.
Letterkenny in County Donegal took third prize in the larger town category in the Entente Florale. Towns were marked on floral displays, sustainable development and community cooperation.
Clonakilty committee member Mary Harte praises the local community for their efforts in bringing the prize home.
Everybody is willing to put their backs against the wall and do what they can for the Tidy Towns and now the Entente.
It remains to be seen if Clonakilty can retain the title of Ireland's tidiest town this year. The results will be announced next week.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 8 September 2000. The reporter is John O'Driscoll.
