KKB celebrates its heroes on July 4

Around 50 members and friends of Keep Kilkenny Beautiful (KKB) gathered in Bridie’s Bar on July 4, to celebrate the group’s work with an American-themed party.

The stars and stripes festooned the outdoor seating area of the popular John Street haunt, and two pairs of Bruce Springsteen tickets were up for grabs for a couple of lucky guests. In order to enter the competition, people had to have done a litter-pick or clean-up with KKB.

“To make sure it was open and fair, it was decided that no KKB members could be in the draw,” said KKB chairman David Fitzgerald.

“It’s for the people who came out and helped. This [event] is about the people who do the work.

“It’s an occasion to have a drink, a chat, and socialise together. Friendships are made in KKB, we don’t just pick litter. It’s also a kind of a thank-you to everyone.”

The ticket winners were Brian O’ Callaghan and Donal Croghan.

There is a huge effort underway to win back the coveted Tidy Towns prize that Kilkenny has come so close to in recent years. The committee has taken on board the recommendations from last year’s judges. For example, the much-maligned submission form has been totally redesigned by Mr Fitzgerald, Peter Bluett and Nora D’arcy, with help from Madeleine Carroll.

“This year, we have done more than we have done previously,” said Mr Fitzgerald.
“We’ve made a huge effort. We contacted Mick Minogue, who did the graphic on Kieran Street. We did the window in what was Green’s Furniture. We have a bio diversity committee concentrating purely on flora, fauna and wildlife. We have a variety of people doing a whole variety of things.”