66 Villages Participate in Cork County Council’s Annual Anti-Litter Challenge Competition

A group of people stading on a white stairs

This year, sixty-six villages entered Cork County Council’s annual Anti-Litter Challenge, showcasing the unwavering commitment and community spirit of voluntary groups across the county.  Twenty-four finalists were presented with certificates this week to commend their work in curbing litter in their villages.

In the Large Villages category, Kildorrery (North), Saleen (South) and Durrus (West) once again claimed the top spot in their respective divisions for the second consecutive year.

The Small Villages competition saw a remarkable achievement with four villages in the Western Division – Ardfield, Ardgroom, Drinagh and Kilmacsimon Quay – maintaining an entirely litter free status during the six-week judging period, a remarkable achievement for the dedicated volunteers involved. First place honours for the Northern and Southern Divisions were awarded to Coolagown and Ballinhassig respectively.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Joe Carroll praised all volunteers, saying
 

This community competition has gone from strength to strength and continues to attract strong interest from towns and villages across the county. The commitment and effort shown by our community volunteers in this year’s Anti-Litter Challenge is inspiring. Their hard work ensures our villages remain attractive and welcoming, and for that, we owe them our gratitude. This competition truly highlights the strength of community spirit in Cork County.

The Anti-Litter Challenge is testament to the great work undertaken by volunteers right across the county who spend long hours sweeping, cleaning and gathering litter from footpaths and roadsides. Cork County Council would like to thank each of the villages who entered in 2024 and acknowledge the work of the countless volunteers who take such pride in their community. The overall winners of both town and villages categories will be announced at the final awards ceremony in September.


Southern Division

Large villages

1st  Saleen
2nd Aherla
3rd  Knockraha

Small villages

1st Ballinhassig
Joint 2nd

Upper Dripsey

& Kilmurry

3rd Cúil Aodha
Best improver Whitegate

Western Division

Large villages

1st  Durrus
2nd Ballinspittle
3rd  Union Hall

Small villages

Joint 1st

Ardfield

Ardgroom

Drinagh

Kilmacsimon Quay

Best improver Glengarriff

Northern Division

Large villages

1st Kildorrery
2nd Newtownshandrum
3rd Castletownroche

Small villages

1st Coolagown
2nd Knocknagree
Joint 3rd Kiskeam & Lismire
Best improver Ballynoe