Ardmore Tidy Towns Notes March 23rd 2015

Ardmore Tidy Towns Notes.

John Fitzgerald R.I.P.

This week we bade farewell to one of the great Tidy Towns pioneers and leaders, not just in Ardmore, but in Ireland. Although not a founder member of Ardmore Tidy Towns, John joined the association in its infancy and through the years he held every office therein. He was vice chairman in 1973, then he became secretary, later treasurer and later again chairman. When he retired from the chair he was unanimously installed as Honorary Life President. A gentleman to his fingertips, John walked the Tidy Towns walk as well as talking the talk. It’s not so long ago that he was seen daily picking litter and watering window boxes. He was to the forefront of the organisation in its halcyon years when Ardmore was winning every year. Vice chairman when we won the overall award and part of the delegation that planted ‘The Ardmore’ tree in The Phoenix Park and later entertained President Mary Robinson when she visited Ardmore. His contribution to Ardmore was truly enormous and we have but fond memories of him. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Dermot & Irene Ring Play Ardmore.

Renowned Country & Irish Band, Dermot & Irene Ring are in Ardmore this Friday night for The Ardmore Tidy Towns Annual Dinner Dance which takes place in An Tobar . It’s an all ticket affair as the €25 covers a full four course dinner as well. This annual social night has been a permanent fixture on the Ardmore social calendar for years now – we’re not sure exactly when it started but it’s at least 30 years. What started out as a fundraising tea party has gradually become a full blown dinner dance with a fabulous 4 course hot meal all cooked by the ladies of Ardmore Tidy Towns. The dinner dance is our principal fundraiser and we invite you all to attend.. Sincere thanks to all our businesses & farmers who sponsor our food and raffle, for which we have some brilliant prizes and also thanks in advance to all the helpers who come along each night to do decorations, set the tables, prepare the veg & food etc. A special word of thanks to our host, Ken Palliser and also to Linda Carroll for all the work she has done.

Good Friday Clean Up

Once again we are calling on all volunteers to join in our annual Good Friday clean up of the local roads and footpaths. As usual, we will assemble at Quinn’s at 4.00pm and please wear your hi-viz jackets. We’re hoping for a big crowd this year as we have so many younger members. Bring a friend. It’s a nice sociable walk, good exerciser and you’ll get a real satisfaction from doing your own little bit to keep the parish neat and tidy for ourselves and our visitors.