Community notes Nov 26th

The following is a continuation of the Adjudication Report on Timoleague in this year’s Tidy Towns Competition.

Streetscape and Public Places:“The adjudicator called to Timoleague Abbey the former seat of St. Molaga and once mediaeval centre of learning and philosophical enlightenment. What a wonderful heritage property to have in your midst in Timoleague –a visit really does exceed all expectations. It was difficult for your adjudicator not to stay for a very long time, to study all the various features of the Abbey but unfortunately this will have to be left for another time. The self-guided Tour Booklet was very helpful on the walk around the Abbey and all involved with this publication are commended for their great work.

It might be good to consider introducing some tree planting into the Abbey car park, where space is available, to enhance the presentation of this area and perhaps this can be considered as part of the Timoleague Village Improvement Scheme.

 The Argideen Valley Trails Information signage erected near the Abbey was positively noted as were the cycle parking stands installed there. The red coloured seats in this area could do with a freshen up with paint.

 The presentation of the area in the vicinity of the tourist signage located near the Toilet Block was excellent. Of particular note here was the sign detailing a ‘letter from America’. The ‘This place is for you’ sign was also positively noted. The maintenance and presentation of the toilet block was to a very high standard. Perhaps in the future consider erecting a pitched roof on this building, finished with natural slate and facing the building with

natural stone, as on feels this will help to integrate the building more successfully into the adjoining village ‘heritage zone’.

 The Church of the Ascension was visited. This site is clearly very well cared for and maintained. The whitewashed walls of the Church building are a prominent feature. The stone wall and piers along the road were greatly admired as was the historic and waymark signage erected along the road frontage. The planting in the Church grounds including impressive Irish yews, oak trees and a commemorative Ginkgo, added to the attractive

sylvan setting in this area.

 The children's playground was getting very well used on the day of adjudication and the universal access provided here was positively noted, as was the car parking area which was maintained in a neat and tidy condition.

The access to the playground from the Main Street is enhanced with vintage farm machinery, recycled plastic seating, stone walls and floral displays - a superb combination.

The Timoleague Timeline feature really is a remarkable piece of work and the Grotto and Church in the background, flanked by beech hedges and birch trees, really was a delight to behold. The standard of presentation of the Church grounds was excellent and the adjudicator particularly admired the Magnolia walk and the hydrangeas, which were in full flower. The design of the new toilet block or ‘Necessarium’ was very much in keeping with the overall design and historic character of the Church grounds.

The Centra premises was very well presented with colourful floral displays and a tidy forecourt area. The cycle parking provided here was positively noted. Timoleague National School which was brightly painted and handsomely presented. The wonderful stone wall along the boundary and the many flags flying in this area, added to the very pleasing presentation of this area.

 The adjudicator called to St Molaga’s burial ground which has a nicely painted boundary wall facing the road and a neat and tidy car park and bottle bank area”

Remembrance Service

A Remembrance Service will be held at Clogagh Church on Sunday night next, November 27^th beginning at 7pm. This annual service is a special occasion for relatives, family and friends of those who died during the past year and indeed all those who have departed.