Limerick village advances to Going for Gold final
OOLA Tidy Towns has come out on top in the fifth and final week of this year’s Going for Gold competition in Limerick.
The team will now be making its way to the final of the competition being held later this year.
Newcastle West, Rathkeale, Southill, Kilfinane, and Kilteely, who lost out to Oola in the public vote, are still in with a chance of a place in the coveted final as the judges will be selecting wildcards in the weeks to come.
Oola’s team of dedicated Tidy Towns members showed huge passion and care for their village and its heritage to secure a place in the final.
A new mural was painted in the village in July after local residents collaborated and discussed ideas as to how best to represent Oola on the mural, which can be seen across from Tipperary Racecourse.
The mural displays several features representing the heritage and people of the village.
Oola Castle is seen in the background, and the railway runs through the centre of the mural alongside grazing cows and milk churns as a nod to the old Oola creamery.
“It’s a lovely piece displaying the heritage of the village. We all had an input on it,” commented Eileen Landers, a member of Oola Tidy Towns committee.
The team of 10 Tidy Towns members have worked alongside an engaged community that’s always happy to volunteer.
“Everyone really comes on board, it’s a lovely community effort,” said Eileen.
A team of 10 makes up Oola’s Tidy Towns committee with support from around 40 volunteers.
Away from the mural, the walkway surrounding Oola GAA club’s recently revitalised pitch has been redeveloped, offering residents a quiet place to enjoy a walk close to nature.
Members of the committee have also been putting an effort into improving biodiversity.
Grass and weed cutting was stopped as part of the ‘No Mow May’ initiative to encourage the growth of wildflowers which helps bees during pollination.
Local youngsters haven’t shied away from the efforts either, with Oola youth group building and setting up bee boxes in wildflower areas alongside painting fairy doors around the area.
Oola joins Patrickswell. Askeaton, Castleconnel, and Elton in the Going for Gold finals later this year.
All of the finalists will be competing for the top ash prize of €10,000.