Key Highlights
- Marlfield Village Association wins the SuperValu TidyTowns Waters and Communities Special Award 2025.
- The award ceremony was held on October 24, 2025, at Croke Park in Dublin.
- Award aims to encourage community groups to preserve and promote local water bodies.
- Winning group used interpretive signage, guided walks, and partnerships with local organizations for water quality improvement.
Marlfield Village Association Takes Home Top Prize at National Tidy Towns Award Ceremony
The Marlfield Village Association in Tipperary has emerged as the standout winner at the 2025 SuperValu TidyTowns awards ceremony, securing both the overall and South East regional prizes for their exceptional efforts to protect local water bodies. The event was held on October 24, 2025, at Croke Park in Dublin, marking a significant achievement for the community group.
Multi-Faceted Approach to Water Conservation
The Marlfield Village Association’s success is attributed to their multifaceted approach. By adopting interpretive signage, visual art installations, and guided walks around Marlfield Lake and River Suir, they have successfully educated both young and old on the importance of local aquatic biodiversity. Their volunteer-led maintenance efforts, including mowing, litter control, planting, and care for swans and ducklings, have not only beautified the area but also deepened local pride and stewardship.
Strong Partnerships Drive Water Quality Improvement
The group’s achievements extend beyond their local initiatives. They have established successful partnerships with various organizations such as the local GAA club, Tipperary County Council, Birdwatch Ireland, and LAWPRO. These collaborations were crucial in developing a biodiversity plan for Marlfield Lake and Sandybanks.
Working closely with these partners has facilitated numerous projects that have contributed to improved water quality in the region.
John McDonagh from Waterways Ireland praised the group’s application, stating, “The members of Marlfield Village Association submitted an impressive application which showcased a range of ways community groups can help protect their local water body. Pride of place, stewardship, dedication and passion for improving Marlfield Lake, the Suir and nearby water bodies were clear to see.” His words highlight the significance of such community-led initiatives in achieving broader environmental goals.
Awards Aim to Boost Community Involvement
The Waters and Communities Special Award has a prize fund of €7,000. It was established by Inland Fisheries Ireland, Waterways Ireland, and the Local Authority Waters Programme to encourage communities to get more involved with their local water bodies. The award recognizes community groups that show appreciation for their water environment and water heritage.
Lynda Connor from Inland Fisheries Ireland’s south-eastern region said, “Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is pleased to co-sponsor this award and warmly congratulates Marlfield Village Association.” She further emphasized the importance of such initiatives in preserving local natural assets that support biodiversity and enrich the environment for everyone.
Anthony Coleman from LAWPRO added, “The energy and creativity of the Waters and Communities Award entries were impressive.
The winning applications clearly showed how community groups are using their local waterbody to deliver innovative projects that create tangible environmental benefits, inclusive engagement opportunities and long-term water stewardship driven by local pride.” His remarks underscore the growing recognition of these grassroots efforts in enhancing water quality and promoting sustainable practices.
The award ceremony also saw Waterford’s Clashmore Tidy Towns take home a runner-up prize for their work on River Greagagh. Their initiatives included litter picks, beach cleanups, citizen science events, and kick-sampling workshops, demonstrating the wide range of activities that can contribute to water conservation efforts.
Future Implications
The success of Marlfield Village Association in winning the award is expected to inspire other community groups across Ireland. It highlights the potential for local initiatives to make significant impacts on environmental stewardship and water quality improvement. As these awards continue to be a regular feature in the TidyTowns calendar, they are likely to play an increasingly important role in fostering a culture of responsibility towards our natural resources.
The Marlfield Village Association’s victory at this year’s SuperValu TidyTowns award ceremony serves as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives and the positive outcomes that can be achieved through dedicated effort, innovation, and collaboration. Their success is a beacon for other groups looking to make meaningful contributions towards preserving our precious water bodies.
