RATHBARRY IN CORK had been named the overall winner of Ireland’s Best Kept Town competition for 2017.

The results were announced at an awards ceremony in Farmleigh House today. Rathbarry also won the Best Kept Village.

There were four categories in total, with three entrants for best kept village and large town and four entrants for best kept small town and large urban centre.

Ardmore, Co Waterford, Castlecaulfied, Co Tyrone and Rathbarry, Co Cork entered the Best Kept Village Award.

Ahoghill in Antrim, Coolaney in Sligo, Kenmare in Kerry and Randalstown in Antrim were the small town entrants. Kenmare was the winner in that category.

The entrants for Best Kept Large Town were Castlebar in Mayo, Enniskillen in Fermanagh and Wicklow with Enniskillen winning.

Antrim Town won the Best Kept Large Urban Centre category, the other three entrants were Carrigaline in Cork, Derry City Centre and Limerick City Centre.

Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring said, “Being nominated for these awards represents an achievement in itself, and is reward for your efforts in the SuperValu TidyTowns and the Best Kept competitions.

After more than two decades, this all-Ireland competition continues to be a strong recognition of the great pride people have in their own communities, and how local volunteers take ownership of their surroundings and work to improve them, both for now and into the future.