'A town to be proud of' – President Connolly visits Leitrim’s Carrick-on-Shannon
President Catherine Connolly made her first official visit to Carrick-on-Shannon to unveil a commemorative plaque marking the town’s success as Ireland’s Tidiest Town 2025, with the event celebrating the work of local volunteers and the Carrick-on-Shannon Tidy Towns Committee
President Catherine Connolly visited Carrick-on-Shannon on Friday, July 31, 2026, for the unveiling of a commemorative plaque celebrating the town’s achievement in winning the Ireland’s Tidiest Town Award 2025.
The visit was organised by Carrick-on-Shannon Tidy Towns Committee in partnership with Leitrim County Council and marked President Connolly’s first official visit to the town since her election as President of Ireland.
A guard of honour made up of local youth groups and schoolchildren lined Main Street on Friday morning to welcome the President and her entourage as they arrived at the Market Yard for the unveiling ceremony.
The event brought together volunteers, elected representatives, community organisations, local businesses and residents to celebrate the achievement, which reflects more than four decades of commitment, perseverance and community pride.
The permanent plaque, erected in the heart of the community, recognises the work of the volunteers whose efforts have helped transform and maintain Carrick-on-Shannon as one of Ireland’s attractive and welcoming towns.
Addressing those gathered, President Catherine Connolly said:
“Today we celebrate the great achievement of Carrick-on-Shannon as the overall winner of Tidy Towns 2025.
“Tidy Towns is about communities working together for a common purpose - to make their town, no matter how big or small, a town to be proud of.
“As President of Ireland, I want to acknowledge all the volunteers and the Carrick-on-Shannon Tidy Towns Committee for their dedication and congratulate them for their win.
“Of course, that achievement did not happen overnight but is the result of decades of effort, commitment and previous success.
“Your first entry was in 1959, and then from 1975 you entered the competition each year showing grit and determination and winning numerous regional awards and 12 gold medals. None of which would be possible without the consistent hard work of the Tidy Towns Committee and all the selfless volunteers.
“Is cinnte go bhfuil an Gradam seo saothraithe go maith agaibh.”
Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council, Councillor Mary Bohan, congratulated all those involved in the Tidy Towns movement in Carrick-on-Shannon.
"Today's unveiling is a fitting recognition of an achievement of which the entire county can be immensely proud. I congratulate Carrick-on-Shannon Tidy Towns Committee and all of the volunteers whose commitment, enthusiasm and hard work have helped secure the highest honour in the Tidy Towns competition.
“Their dedication has enhanced not only the appearance of the town but also the quality of life for everyone who lives, works and visits here."
Chief Executive of Leitrim County Council, Joseph Gilhooly, highlighted the importance of collaboration in achieving long-term success.
"Winning Ireland's Tidiest Town is an extraordinary accomplishment and one that reflects years of consistent effort and dedication. The strong partnership between the Tidy Towns Committee, Leitrim County Council, Carrick Chamber, the Carrick-on-Shannon Town Team, local businesses and community groups has been central to this success.
“Together they have helped create a town that is vibrant, colourful, and environmentally conscious, setting a standard that communities throughout Ireland can aspire to."
Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council, Shane Tiernan, said: "What sets Carrick-on-Shannon apart is not simply how well the town looks, but how strongly people care about it. Achievements such as Ireland's Tidiest Town are built over many years through countless small actions by many individuals and group.
“This plaque is a celebration of that sustained commitment and a reminder of what can be achieved when a community shares a common vision for its future."
Speaking on behalf of Carrick-on-Shannon Tidy Towns Committee, John Gaffey, expressed appreciation to the volunteers and supporters who contributed to the achievement.
"We are deeply honoured to welcome President Connolly to Carrick-on-Shannon for this special occasion. This plaque recognises far more than a competition result; it represents decades of dedication by volunteers who have given their time, energy and expertise to improving our town.
“We are grateful for the support of our local authorities, businesses, organisations and residents. This award belongs to the entire community."
The commemorative plaque will serve as a lasting reminder of Carrick-on-Shannon’s achievement as Ireland’s Tidiest Town 2025 and of the collective effort that made it possible.
The ceremony also marked President Catherine Connolly’s first official visit to Carrick-on-Shannon, making the occasion a notable event for those gathered to celebrate the town’s achievement.