Welcome back to the TidyTowns Competition. It is great to see a small community getting involved once more, especially one that enjoys so many natural and built attributes. A little more detail in your next entry might be helpful for a future adjudicator The annotated map you supplied was perfect for the task at hand Thank you

The Built Environment:

The Anglers Rest pub looked very well on day of adjudication. The shop opposite was well painted arid decorated. One derelict cottage was noted behind the information sign. Some may be of the opinion that walls like these should be whitewashed but this adjudicator thought that the stone looks good. The castle is of course the dominant feature of the town and any information on its renovation would be welcome.

Landscaping:

The stone plaque at the castle was very good (as Gaeilge) The other board should be replaced soon. The picnic area on the village side of the bridge would benefit from some work. There were nicely planted barrels at the junction of the village. There were lots of hanging baskets and the benches at Dunnes were in good condition The whole effect was colourful and welcoming.
The 'platform' area has great potential but was very untidy in appearance on day of visit. The bin here needs repair and the lifebelt was missing.

It was great to see such level of detail in both place-names and archaeological site locations on the Aghinagh
Way board Both GAA pitches were in good order. The No. 1 pitch could do with some positive landscaping.
The grotto and pump were brightly painted and well-presented.

Wildlife and Natural Amenities:

The mature oaks and elms at the bridge are a great asset to the village. It was good to see the lakes (for angling) signed. The river is by far the best natural attribute and this could be capitalised upon. Which way does the River Walk go? It wasn't clear.

Litter Control:

No litter was seen around the village streets. A lot of litter was unfortunately found in the trees by the river on the village side. The approach roads were almost litter-free. Well done

.Waste Minimisation:

Your work with other organisations to tackle this issue is to be commended. Contact your local authority environmental awareness officer for assistance with this issue.

Tidiness:

The old green and white finger sign for the castle is very old and lovely to see, as was the cycle route signage in its multiple colours. The information board for the Aghinagh Way is both well situated and designed some proprietary graffiti were seen on the new wall by the pub, which could be painted over. Some very much older graffiti were seen etched inside the castle. Weed control was very good. The old steps down to the river (on the Killinardrish side) really need attention.

Residential Areas:

The vast majority of houses and gardens were in good condition and very pleasant to look at There were

some very nice examples of unusual architecture. Residents are to be commended for their upkeep work.

Roads, Streets and Back Areas:

The verges on the Macroom side don't need to be as severely cut back. Wild plants should be given space too The approach from the Killinardrish (Canovee) side was much more pleasant. Here the mature trees make for a lovely approach. The wall here is being very nicely replaced. The mature beech trees on Barrick Hill are very nice as it the old stone wall. The entrance to Leeside nurseries was well done and kept.

General Impression:

Well done on your efforts this year. This is a very pleasant village to visit and has several noteworthy features. It is hoped that the above comments will help you to make the most of these. The heritage aspects of the village and its location along a heritage trail are very important. More could also be made of the abundant natural heritage that your village enjoys. You are certain to do well in future rounds of this competition.