Celebrating Kilkenny's gorgeous gardens and sublime shopfronts

The gorgeous gardens and well-manicured housing estates of Kilkenny City were celebrated last Tuesday night at the annual Keep Kilkenny Beautiful (KKB) awards.

The awards took place in Langton’s Ballroom, with St Canice’s Credit Union the main sponsor. MC on the evening was George Candler, while both the Mayor of Kilkenny and council cathaoirleach were in attendance, and presented awards.

Welcoming those in attendance, Chairman of KKB Peter Bluett said it was an occasion for recognition and celebration.

“Today, we honour all of you for your wonderful achievements in 2017,” he said.

“You contributed to our success in the city in Tidy Towns 2017.”

Mr Bluett noted the city had again finished in the top seven out of 300 entries in the national competition, and was just a few marks off the top spot. He also pointed to Kilkenny’s unprecedented three IBAL victories in a row.

Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council David Fitzgerald, who is himself a former KKB chairman, said some of the best friends he had made over the years had been in KKB.

“It’s my great pleasure to be here for a very special event,” he said.

“It’s great to be here as part of this annual celebration of your hard work.”

Cllr Fitzgerald noted KKB is 37 years old this year.

“It was founded at a time when Kilkenny was a different place,” he said.

Kilkenny had many things to be achieved — we weren’t the tourism capital that we are now. But it was recognised there was something there, and it’s in the name — ‘Keep’ Kilkenny Beautiful, not ‘Make’ Kilkenny Beautiful.” 

The evening concluded with some fantastic prizes for audience members with the raffle, followed by tea and sandwiches.

Well done to the award winners and all those nominated. For all the pictures, see this week's Kilkenny People.