Fulsome praise for staff and volunteers after Trim's 'cleanest town' victory

Trim's hard-working council outdoor staff and local volunteers have been praised for their efforts in obtaining for the town the title of the cleanest in the country. The recent Irish Businesses Against Litter (IBAL) league win on Monday 9th January was applauded by the town's officials and councillors the following day at the local town council's monthly meeting. Chairman Cllr James O'Shea said that a "massive amount of work" had gone into earning Trim the title of 'tidiest town'. He thanked the council staff and hailed previous town managers, Kevin Stewart and Tadhg McDonnell, and former councillors for sowing the seeds of success. He praised town clerk Brian Murphy, outdoor staff, town foreman Tony Conlon, Trim Chamber and all the various volunteer groups and the Trim Tidy Town group, "whose efforts go hand-in-hand with the council's staff". He added: "Trim is a lovely town but to win an All-Ireland competition makes it great." Cllr Phil Cantwell said that the "long road" that the town's clerk, engineer and Trim Tidy Towns went down to achieve the win was a credit "to themselves, the town and the community". Cllr Vincent McHugh said "winning an All-Ireland in anything is a mightily amazing effort" and that those involved "really deserved it". Trim Tidy Towns and the council's outdoor staff were praised for their round the clock efforts by Cllr Ronan McKenna. "It's huge recognition of those involved," he said. "I once saw them out at 6.30am one Sunday morning and they are experts in presenting the town." Cllr Donall O'Brien said the boost the win gave to the town was "well-needed". He added: "Their work isn't going unnoticed. There's a great pride around the town. Some people might complain about where they live but Trim people rarely give out about the town and it's vital that we show our support for them in any way we can. It's a phenomenal achievement." Members heard that messages of congratulations came in from around the county. "I've had messages and calls from Tipp, from Mayo and all over," said Cllr Gerry Reilly. "It's a huge award when you think of the likes of Killarney (which Trim beat into second place). Congratulations to Tony Conlon (Trim Town Foreman) and the staff, the volunteers and the Chamber of Commerce. It's an opportunity for Trim to say 'we're open for business'." Cllr William Bligh said Brian Heffernan of Trim Tidy Towns had such passion "for the flowers on the street, he was like a Kerryman going to an All-Ireland final". He praised all the volunteers and congratulated "all those involved". Cllr Trevor Golden said he could set his watch "by the outdoor staff" who spend "all their time maintaining Trim". He added: "For a tourist town, it's very important how we present ourselves and the commmunity spirit shown is tremendous." Town clerk Mr Murphy said that the €5 million loan the town council took out was an important factor in the win. "Nobody looks at clean roads if they are broken. I'm delighted for those involved that they got an award because in giving an award, it's recognition and that recognition keeps people going," he said.