Date: 19 Oct 2022
Sponsored by Belfast City Airport, the Best Kept Awards crowned Donaghmore as ‘Best of the Best’ at the 2022 Best Kept City, Town, Village and Housing Area Awards after winning in the ‘Best Kept Small Village’ category. The village in County Tyrone wowed the judges with its kaleidoscope of floral displays and huge community effort to create a beautiful environment for all its residents.The Awards, organised by the Northern Ireland Amenity Council (NIAC) and sponsored by George Best Belfast City Airport, took place on Tuesday 18th October at the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Offices, where over 100 representatives from towns and villages across the Province congregated for the ceremony.
Now in their 65th year the prestigious awards celebrate areas that are taking action to protect and care for their local environment, creating safer, cleaner, healthier and more sustainable places to live, work and play.
Participating towns, villages and housing areas are judged on a range of criteria, including floral displays, grass roots environmental projects, and an absence of litter and graffiti. Judges also look for underlying evidence of community participation in environmental initiatives, including the promotion of recycling and wildlife conservation.
Stephen Patton, Human Resources and CR Manager at George Best Belfast City Airport said:
“As a long-standing supporter of the Best Kept Awards, we have had the privilege of witnessing some outstanding efforts over the years towards building brighter, better, and more sustainable communities.
“This year is no exception and we have been blown away by the calibre of entries and the level of civic pride shown throughout Northern Ireland.
“As a responsible business leader, Belfast City Airport is committed to giving back to the local community, supporting projects which help areas thrive, and investing in initiatives that improve the quality of life for those living and working in the vicinity.
“These awards show there are clearly a lot of like-minded individuals in the province and it is wonderful to be able to come together and celebrate the fantastic work that has been carried out in each city, town, village, and housing area.
“Congratulations to all the worthy winners.”
Congratulating Donaghmore on their prestigious award, President of NIAC, Doreen Muskett, MBE said:
“Well done to Donaghmore, this is truly deserving of the title of ‘Best of the Best’ 2022.
“The overall impression of Donaghmore is a kaleidoscope of flowers, in-bed planters and hanging baskets. The judges were particularly impressed at the effort that has gone into the floral displays. There has clearly been a huge community effort that has generated such obvious pride in this village’s appearance.
“Congratulations to all involved in keeping your village so beautiful and congratulations to all of the winners and runners up today.”
Other winners included Royal Hillsborough (Best Kept Large Village), Randalstown (Best Kept Small Town), Enniskillen (Best Kept Medium Town), Antrim (Best Kept Large Town) and Derry/Londonderry (Best Kept City).
The President's Trophy, chosen at the discretion of the President, was awarded to Belfast City Council, due to the beautifully maintained floral enhancement on Ormeau Bridge, improving the appearance of one of Belfast ‘s busiest arterial routes. Culmore in Derry/Londonderry, picked up the Welcome Award for newcomers to the competition.
Other Awards included, Most improved Town or Village, Strangford; Best Kept Sheltered Housing Area, Donard Fold in Newcastle; Best Kept Small Housing Area, Lismore Drive, Donaghmore; Best Kept Medium Housing Area, Inverary Estate Belfast; Best Kept Large Housing Area, Merville Garden Village in Newtownabbey and The Ellen McGowan Award for Housing, Inverary Estate.
The George Best Belfast City Airport Community Hero Award was presented to Richard Wallace of Ballynure and District Community Friendship Group for his efforts in raising the profile of his village and the positive difference he has made in improving the surroundings for his community.
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