Birdhill in Co Tipperary has been voted Ireland's tidiest town. Picture: Google Maps

Birdhill in Co Tipperary has scooped the Supervalu Tidy Towns title for 2017.

And it was a case of double celebrations as it also claimed the title of Ireland's Tidiest Village.

Birdhill has been entering the competition since 1991 and this is the first time it has won the top honours.

Chairman of Birdhill Tidy Tows, Denis Floyd, said winning the top prize was “a dream come true”.

“We’ve been working hard for 26-27 years. Eventually we got the big one.”

He said the win was a community effort and many hours of hard work.

His advice to other villages and town hoping to claim the top honours is to “keep at it”.

“The secret is to involve the community. We’re a small village and a small community, so it’s about bringing in people from outside, people with expertise. “

A record 870 towns and villages around the country entered this year's competition.

Other winners included Clonakilty, Co Cork, which was named Ireland's Tidiest Small Town and Westport, Co Mayo, which was named Ireland's Tidiest Large Town. Meanwhile Ennis in Co Clare was declared Ireland's Tidiest Large Urban Centre.

Speaking at the awards ceremony at the Helix in DCU, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, said: "This is a fantastic achievement for Birdhill, a really worthy winner. Three other Tipperary villages have won this award, but it is the first time for Birdhill."

Online Editors