Abbeyleix has been named Ireland's Tidiest Town for 2023.
The Co Laois town beat off competition from 886 other towns and villages to claim the title, which was announced at a ceremony in Croke Park in Dublin.
Abbeyleix also claimed the award for Ireland's Tidiest Small Town.
The other big winners and finalists in the SuperValu Tidy Town competition were Geashill, Co Offaly, which claimed the award for Ireland’s Tidiest Village. Killarney, Co Kerry, received the award for Ireland’s Tidiest Large Town and Ballincollig, Co Cork, was declared Ireland’s Tidiest Large Urban Centre.
This is the 65th year of the national Tidy Towns competition.
Speaking on RTÉ's News at One, Mary White, secretary of Abbeyleix Tidy Towns, said Croke Park was a fitting setting for the event as this was the "most coveted all Ireland trophy".
"This is the first time we've ever won a national award, the second time it has come to County Laois and it has been a long, long time coming," she said.
"If there are other groups out there that sometimes are disappointed like we have been on a few occasions, their mantra should be never give up - it might happen."
She said the focus of the competition has turned to climate action, biodiversity and the circular economy and the days of "hanging baskets and window boxes are long gone".
Ms White said Abbeyleix planted native woodlands and trees.
Cappoquin, Boyle and Ballyshannon were also recognised for their efforts to address vacancy and dereliction.
Announcing Abbeyleix as the overall winner, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys said: "Having first entered the competition in 1959, Abbeyleix today continues to showcase all that is good about innovation, sustainability, community spirit and volunteerism."
Managing Director of SuperValu Ian Allen said: "This achievement is a testament to the hard work and commitment of the committee and team of volunteers involved in the town.
"There are now over 1,000 active committees backed by a powerful movement of almost 30,000 volunteers all of whom are highly committed to enhancing their towns and villages all around the country.
"SuperValu TidyTowns has succeeded in not only making our towns and villages more attractive but more sustainable too, and this is evident in the increased focus on initiatives that have a powerful impact on biodiversity such as the development of pollinator friendly corridors and, rewilding outdoor areas."
