Kilmallock Tidy Towns Crowned Limerick Going for Gold 2025 Overall Champions

This year, over €70,000 in prizes were awarded to communities across Limerick who are actively promoting the circular economy, reducing waste, enhancing biodiversity, and creating cleaner, greener, and more sustainable places to live, work, and visit. 

Now in its 15th year, Limerick Going for Gold continues to inspire civic pride and environmental responsibility. The initiative is funded by Limerick City and County Council (LCCC) in partnership with the JP McManus Charitable Foundation, and supported by Live95, The Limerick Leader, The Limerick Post, I Love Limerick, and Southern Marketing Design & Media. 

The awards were presented by Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, who commented: 

 “At these awards tonight, I am surrounded by people who make amazing and selfless contributions to their local areas. They are helping to make Limerick more beautiful while also building stronger, more connected, and more sustainable communities. Going for Gold is a wonderful example of what makes Limerick special, that is our people. I hope to see even more community groups seeking to participate in the future. Congratulations to Kilmallock and all the winners and participants and thank you for your ongoing commitment to your communities.” 

The Going for Gold campaign has previously honoured communities such as Patrickswell (2024), Kilfinane (2023), and Adare (2022), each demonstrating exceptional commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.  

Representing the JP McManus Charitable Foundation, Helen O’Donnell of Limerick City Tidy Towns commented: 

“Over the past 15 years, almost €1.9 million in prize money has been awarded through Going for Gold, and the best part is that every cent goes directly back into our communities to enhance and improve them. Like Team Limerick Clean-Up, Going for Gold began as a small initiative and has grown year after year, inspiring more and more communities to get involved. While the recognition is a fantastic boost for the winners, this initiative is really about collaboration, sharing ideas, and making a lasting impact. It’s that spirit of partnership that helps Limerick thrive and makes it a better place for all of us.” 

Cathal Brodie, Senior Executive Scientist, Environment and Climate Action, LCCC, said: 
“Limerick Going for Gold brings together the efforts and endeavours of communities. I want to thank the entrants for their hard work, commitment and dedication. Their work highlights the community spirit and the profound impact of individuals coming together to transform local areas, protect nature, and create sustainable and thriving communities that inspire future generations.” 

The competition celebrates community achievement, volunteerism, and environmental innovation, with categories including: 

• Tidy Towns 

• Limerick Bee Friendly in Bloom 

• Residential Areas 

• Sustainability, Waste Prevention & Community Engagement (formerly the Reuse Award) 

• Endeavour Award for the most improved entrant in the National Tidy Towns Competition 

A new category, Best New Entrant, was introduced this year to welcome and encourage fresh participation. 

A total of 32 communities reached the final, with five finalists in the Tidy Towns category selected by popular vote on the Live95 Limerick Today Show, and the remainder chosen by judges Pat Shearin and Michael Griffin, both retired from Limerick City and County Council, following site visits. 

The Going for Gold campaign has previously honoured communities such as Patrickswell (2024), Kilfinane (2023), and Adare (2022), each demonstrating exceptional commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.  

Limerick Going for Gold 2025 Award Winners 

Tidy Towns Category 

Limerick Bee Friendly in Bloom 

Residential Areas 

Endeavour Award 

Sustainability, Waste Prevention & Community Engagement (ReUse) Award 

Judges’ Request Award 

Best New Entrant (New Category)