Birdhill Tidy Towns

14th November 2010

At the recent AGM, the following officers were appointed for the coming year:
Hon. President: Fr John O'Keeffe
President: Ted Moynihan
Chairman: Denis Floyd
Vice Chairmen: Paddy Barry & Paddy Bradley
Secretaries: Terry Griffith & Majella Foley-Friel
Treasurer: Donnchadh Floyd
P.R.O.: Anne Barry

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The second circular in our Ecological Footprint series was issued last week. It contains much useful information on the prevention of waste. A copy is also posted on this website.

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We collected our prizes at the various Awards Ceremonies during the past few weeks:
At the Shannon Region awards we received our Gold Medal and County Award, while we again took 1st place in the Newport area at the Tiobraid Álainn awards

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ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The AGM of the above committee will be held in Matt The Threshers on Wednesday 3rd November, commencing at 8.00p.m.
All residents and business people of Birdhill and surrounding areas are invited to attend.

Clár

• Minutes of previous AGM
• Secretary's Report
• Financial Report
• Chairman's Address
• Consider Adjudicator's Report
• Election of Officers
• Motions
• Plans for 2011
• Aon gnó eile

Nominations
Chairman: Ted Moynihan, Denis Floyd, Terry Griffith, Anthony Floyd
Vice Chairman: Ann Barry, Denis Floyd, Matt Lynch, Paddy Bradley, Paddy Barry, Terry Griffith, Ted Moynihan, Ml Kelly, Anthony Floyd, Marie Gorman
Secretary: Denis Floyd, Terry Griffith, Ann Barry, Terry Lynch, Majella Foley-Friel, Geraldine Floyd, Paddy Bradley, Ml Kelly, Marie McKeogh
Treasurer: Donnchadh Floyd, Anthony Floyd, John Hogan, Fiona Ryan


MOTIONS

• No new projects for next year
• Finish ongoing projects
• No further money spent on the Park
• Change floral 'Birdhill Sign' to hard landscaping
• Less flowers and tubs
• More work days
• Upgrade existing beds
• Appoint a smaller Committee
• Appoint 'Work Groups' for various projects and in outlying areas
• The positions on executive be for a term of three years only or less.
• The duties, tasks, etc of executive members be delineated in the constitution.
• Continue keeping the village clean and beautiful

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15th October 2010

Walk
Despite the inclement weather, a good crowd turned out on National Trails Day for a walk through the Pollaghs. It has been suggested that a Walking Club be set up in Birdhill. We would like to hear from anyone interested.

Winners
Well done to the following who recently received their prizes for the 'Plant in a Recycled Container' competition:
Katie & Ciara Ryan for planting in a child's buggy
Conor Daly for his railway carriage
Erin Foley-Friel who used an old cistern


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26th September 2010

NATIONAL TRAILS DAY
Sunday 3rd October is National Trails Day. This is a celebration of Ireland's wonderful variety of trails and a chance for everyone to enjoy some of our beautiful countryside. A walk in Birdhill is included in the day's programme of events. Participants are invited to assemble in Matt the Thresher's car park at 3.00pm to walk the Pollagh Trail where there will be a choice of a 2 or 4 mile walk. It is advisable to bring footwear and clothing for whatever weather prevails.

Change of Focus?
At the recent Open Meeting the following were among the suggestions made:
" Change the committee's name to reflect its role as a broader community organisation.
" Move the Éan Fionn sculpture from the Village Green to the Roundabout.
" Reduce quantity of summer bedding flowers in favour of foliar flowering shrubs.
" Set up a Walking Club in Birdhill.
" Establish 'Work Groups' in different areas and for different projects.
" Appoint a smaller executive committee.
" Hold more Open Meetings.
" Hold a Sale of Work at Christmas
Decisions on the above and other motions will be made at the forthcoming AGM.
It was also agreed to distribute Nomination Papers inviting members of the community to submit names for positions on the committee and to table motions for the AGM. You are invited to complete the form below and return it to the Secretary not later than Friday 8th October (please continue overleaf if necessary). You may also submit your nominations through the 'Contact Us' section on the website or by email.


Nominations

Chairman: __________________________

Vice Chairman: _____________________

Secretary: __________________________

Treasurer: __________________________


Motions



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15th September 2010

OPEN MEETING

Birdhill has been involved in the Tidy Towns competition for 20 years. During that time, steady progress has been made, culminating in winning awards at county, national and European level and the Tidy Village Committee has played a significant role in the community.
After 2 decades, it is now opportune to assess where we are and to consider our future. Consequently, an open meeting will be held in Matt The Threshers on Wed 22nd September, commencing at 8.00p.m. to discuss all elements of the competition, the committee and the community.
This will not be a decision-making meeting, but will look at policies and structures for the future. These discussions will then guide and inform the A.G.M. which will be held in mid-October.
All members of the community are invited to attend this important meeting.


Gold Medal

Birdhill received a Gold Medal and the County Award when the Tidy Towns awards were announced on September 13th. However, we increased just one mark overall. It is disappointing to record that in spite of the amount of work done, new projects carried out, man/woman hours put in and the considerable financial outlay, that our score has improved by only one extra mark in two years.


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7th September 2010

History and heritage along Birdhill walking routes
A comprehensive range of walks in the Birdhill area has been formally launched. The Birdhill Walking Routes and Heritage Trail, which has been initiated by Birdhill Tidy Village Committee comprise of a range of 13 walks, which vary in length from 3 to 20 kilometres and includes 22 points of important heritage. All the walks are colour coded on the large Information Boards in the village and on the accompanying brochures. The names are a reminder of our history and our natural environment. Ten have been named after birds (bearing the Irish name of common local birds) while 3 of the walks remind us of the tales of the Fianna with which Birdhill is associated, bearing the names of Oisin, Fionn and Bran.

The Walks and Heritage Trail was formally launched by Con Ryan, Rural Recreation Officer for Tipperary who led off the first group through the Pollagh Trail taking in Slí an Dreoilín and Slí na Cuaiche.

The attendance for the launch included Ronan Gleeson, Tipperary LEADER, Louise Lawlor, Blink Design, members of Aonach ar Siul and Cllr Dr Phyll Bugler.

Con Ryan, Rural Recreation Officer for Tipperary congratulated committee for the efforts which they have put into the development of the walks. "Walking is becoming more and more popular" he said. "It is tremendous to see people with the great pride of place that you have here in Birdhll. On the way here I was thinking about Matt the Threshers, and Brian O'Higgins commenting on the famous book Knocknagow by Charles Kickham when he said 'for the sake of Matt the Thresher and Nora Leahy's grave, I love you sweet Tipperary though I never saw your face," he said
"We have something in this country that we can be proud of. We can certainly be proud of the welcome that we give to people. We can be proud of our heritage. We can be proud of our countryside and I would like to join with Denis in thanking everyone concerned with these walks, but particularly the land owners, because we couldn't have walks without land owners and it is great that they are so co-operative," he added.
The walking routes and heritage trail is a valuable addition to the extent of development which has been completed in the village over the past two decades by the active Tidy Village Committee.


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23rd August 2010

Birdhill Heritage Trail
During National Heritage Week (Aug 21st - 29th) communities are asked to focus on local historical, environmental and natural heritage. In Birdhill, we will use the occasion to launch our new 'Walking Routes & Heritage Trail.'
The launch will take place on Sunday 29th August. You are invited to attend and to participate in a community walk.
Assembly in Matt The Threshers car park at 6.00p.m.
Rain gear and footwear suitable for roads and fields is advisable.
Total distance approx 6km.

Railway 150
Many thanks to the broad community for their participation in the Railway 150 celebrations and for really entering into the spirit of the occasion. The weekend was an outstanding display of community involvement and seems to have been enjoyed by young and old. We extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed in any way towards its success.
DVD's (running to almost 3 hours) representative of all the activities of the weekend are available at a cost of €10. Please contact Denis Floyd to reserve a copy.

Shopping Bags
A supply of recyclable organic cotton shopping bags is available from Birdhill Tidy Village Committee. They bear the names of our generous sponsors Coopers and Matt The Threshers, along with a reminder to 'Keep Birdhill Tidy'
Bags cost €2 each and can be purchased from our sponsors or from the committee.

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30th July 2010

Railway 150
Last weekend's celebrations were a great success. The weather obliged for the Friday and Saturday. Members of the community really entered into the spirit of the occasion, dressing up in period costumes, and young and old had a memorable few days. People are already asking "When are we going to do it again?" See slideshow under Railway 150 for a photographic representation of many of the activities.

• On Friday evening, Thomas Floyd, the most senior citizen of the area, unveiled a commemorative plaque at the station.
• A large contingent went on the guided historical walk.
• The museum and photographic display at Matt The Threshers proved to be a huge attraction.
• Borrisoleigh won the Old Time Set Dancing competition, with the Birdhill Shunter group coming second. We also had displays of sean-nós and step dancing.
• Saturday started with a display of vintage cars, tractors and machinery.
• Winners in the Fancy Dress Parade were: Best representation of the 19th century - The O'Gorman donkey, cart and entourage; Most elegant lady - Maureen Griffith; Most elegant couple - Ted & Kay Moynihan; Best family - Paddy & Melissa Ryan and children.
• The novelty games and sports had many thrills and spills but provided wonderful enjoyment.
• Everyone enjoyed the food provided by Relihans.
• The 'Bally' Boys outpulled the Coopers in the Tug-o-war challenge and not to be outdone, the children and ladies also pulled.
• Johnny Mulcahy's song "My Native Place Birdhill," sung by Eileen Briscoe won the Song Contest, with Timmy Floyd's composition "Birdhill My Homeland" in second place.
• The Doves provide the music for marquee dancing, to bring down the curtain on a never to be forgotten weekend.

Tidy Towns Adjudication
Reports suggest that we were adjudicated on Saturday morning the 24th. Despite the festivities, the village and surroundings looked well. There may still be another adjudication, so vigilance in regard to litter and tidiness is vital during the forthcoming weeks.

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13th July 2010

Railway Anniversary
Plans have now been finalised for the weekend's activities. See under Railway 150 for full details. An exciting weekend is in prospect. We will all be praying that the weather will oblige.

Fás Worker
We welcome Michael Harrington, who took up duty this week as our new Fás worker. No doubt he will help ensure that Birdhill is in pristine condition at all times.

The Roundabout
We finally took the bull by the horns and decided to do something about the roundabout ourselves. We cut the hay and made a tram which has attracted much attention. It may be an inspiration for a possible future sculpture.

7th June 2010

• All our flowers have been planted and, weather permitting, the village should provide a vista of colour during the summer. Sincere thanks to the 28 helpers who turned out for the planting on May 25th.
• We hope that as many as possible will turn out each Monday evening to carry out whatever tasks are necessary during the forthcoming monthes.
• The first information leaflet on the community's Ecological Footprint was distributed last week (also posted on this website). It contains some interesting information and advice on reducing our emissions, along with details of competitions for children.
• Our Railway 150 sub-committee is currently finalising the programme of activities for July 23rd and 24th. The Song Contest and Set Dancing Competition seem to be arousing much interest and we hope they will attract widespread involvement from locals and people further afield
• Still no news on the opening of the Birdhill-Annacotty end of the M7. Various rumours abound about the 'sinking road' but we still have to endure the high volumes of traffic through the village.
• The roundabout continues to be the focus of attention, but for all the wrong reasons. It has now become completely overgrown, but nobody will claim responsibility for it. Our Tidy Towns committee seems to be the only group prepared to do anything, but because of bureaucratic wranglings, we are not allowed touch it. Meanwhile, it blights the approach to Birdhill and counteracts the work we are trying to do to enhance our area.

Circular 17th May
As part of the programme of events to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the opening of Birdhill Railway Station two novel competitions are being organised:

1. Birdhill in Rhyme

A competition for newly composed songs or poems.
Compositions must be relevant to the Birdhill area, its people, places, history or culture.
Total prizes to the value of €300.
Closing date for entries: Wednesday 30th June.
Grand Final on Sat 24th July.
Full details and entry form can be accessed at www.birdhilltidytowns.ie


2. Old Time Set Dancing

This competition will be held on an open air platform in Birdhill on Friday 23rd July. In an effort to replicate styles of bygone years, teams are asked to dress in period costumes and to dance in an uninhibited, spontaneous manner. Teams will be judged on how they portray the dancing traditions of our forefathers. Cash prizes for best teams.
Full details at www.birdhilltidytowns.ie


Forthcoming events

• Planting of flowers in the village on Monday 24th, commencing at 7.00p.m. All help welcome
• Children are invited to plant flowers in a recycled container in the Park on Wed 26th at 8.00p.m.
• The next meeting of the committee charged with organising the 150th anniversary celebrations of the Railway Station will be held in The Coopers on Wed 26th May at 9.00p.m. Anyone with any ideas, or who would like to help organising any of the events, is welcome to attend.
• Each Monday evening during the summer, members of the Tidy Village Committee will be tending to flowers, beds, containers, etc. Anyone who would like to help out is welcome.

Circular 1st May 2010

Bag Packing
Many thanks to all who helped out with our recent bag packing at Dunnes Stores, Nenagh. It proved to be a very worthwhile venture.

Wildlife Survey
We are endeavouring to carry out surveys of the various habitats in the locality. One, which most people could help with, is a survey of their own garden or nearby hedgerows. All that is required is that you list the birds, animals, insects, mini beasts, wildflowers, etc. which you observe throughout the year. Please contact us if you would be interested.

150 Years of Birdhill Railway Station
Our railway station was opened on 23rd July 1860. We plan to celebrate this significant milestone with a programme of activities on July 23rd and 24th involving all the community. We hope to replicate the life and times of the 1800's with the games, dances and work practices of that era. Some things that you might consider:
" Dressing up in period costumes for some of the events.
" Providing old items for a museum type display.
" Loaning old photographs of people and places around Birdhill for a picture display. (These will be copied and returned immediately).
Please get in touch as soon as possible if you have anything that might be of interest.

Website
Are you a regular visitor to our website (www.birdhilltidytowns.ie)? We are considering adding a 'Local News' heading, if it would be of benefit to the community. If any individuals or groups are interested, please contact us.
There are also some surveys in the Notice Nature and Waste Minimisation sections. We would like to see as many as possible downloading and completing the surveys and returning them to any member of the committee.

'Adopt a Bed'
The work of our Tidy Towns committee continues to grow as we expand our activities. We are fortunate to have a very active committee and proactive sub-committees. However, we could use many more hands. Could you, or your organisation/club, commit to giving a hand for an hour a week during the summer to look after a bed or a group of tubs. We would love to hear from you. Maybe you could make a start by attending some of the Monday work evenings.

Action against Litter
Sincere thanks to everyone who turned out for our recent Spring Clean-ups. It is very obvious that litter has become a major problem. Passing cars are responsible for most of our roadside litter while indiscriminate dumping is a big issue in some areas. It is unacceptable that members of our community should have to clean up after others. What can you do?
" Make sure that you are not adding to the litter problem.
" Encourage your friends not to litter.
" Educate your children on the proper disposal of rubbish and respect for the environment.
" Report incidents of littering and dumping to the local authority.
" Put pressure on the County Council to impose hefty fines for littering and dumping and to publically 'name and shame' those responsible.
" Organise and participate in litter patrols of your local area. Remember litter attracts more litter! There is likely to be more respect for a place that is already neat and tidy.

Together we can fight the scourge of litter pollution

18th April
Spring Clean: A huge amount of litter was collected during our Clean Ups in the past week. Thanks to all who turned out to help on the various roads. We were able to recycle a certain amount, but 3 large loads were taken to the landfill (see picture right). Now we need to organise regular litter patrols to ensure the roads are kept clean. Hopefully, if the new motorway ever opens, less traffic through Birdhill will mean less litter and less dumping.

Ecological Footprint: Vincent Carragher launched this new initiative during the week. Questionnaires have been distributed through the school. We look forward to collating the information when forms are returned.

Spring has Sprung: How different the place looks when the sun starts to shine and the countryside starts to green up! The cuckoo was heard in the Pollaghs on April 11th, so spring and summer must have come together.

Fundraising: We still need some more help for our 'Bag Packing' in Dunnes Stores, Nenagh on this coming Thursday, Friday and Saturday. If you have a few hours to spare, please contact any committee member.

3rd April 2010

• We can report progress on the new M7 at last. The Nenagh to Birdhill section opened on April 1st (no it's not a Fool's Day joke). While this has not brought any change to the traffic volumes through the village, we are hopeful that the Birdhill to Limerick stretch will soon be ready for opening, although latest reports indicate continuing problems through the bog.

• Thanks to all who turned up to help with potting out our flowers over the last couple of weeks (see picture on right). All we need now is some sunshine to help bring them on and have them ready for planting in May.

• We have been busy studying Frankk Donaldson's report during the past few weeks. Combined with the suggestions from our various sub-committees we should have a comprehensive plan taking us forward to 2012.

• Our 'Railway 150' sub-committee has been busy putting a programme of activities together to celebrate the railway station's 150th anniversary. On Friday evening 23rd July we hope to have a guided history walk followed by a competition for newly-composed songs and poems based on Birdhill, its history, people and environment and a set dancing competition featuring groups performing in the old traditional style.On Saturday, there will be formalities at the station, fun games in the park, novelty sports activities and open air platform dancing. There will also be a museum, displaying items of historical interest. It is hoped to create a village atmosphere similar to the 1860's. We are appealing for the support of all local people to help achieve this. Photographs, old machinery or other memorabilia would be appreciated.

1st March 2010

Award for Railway Station
Iarnrod Eireann presented awards last week for 'Best Kept Railway Stations' throughout the country. Birdhill Station collected this year’s Community Involvement Award, for the strong partnership that exists between station staff and the local community in ensuring the Co Tipperary town’s station is kept in pristine condition year-round.
Nicholas Moroney, Station Manager for Thurles and Birdhill, along with station staff John Fahy and Michael Ryan, and community representatives, Martin & Brigid O'Brien, attended the function at Inchicore to receive the award.
See report on: http://www.irishrail.ie/news_centre/news.asp?action=view&news_id=655


Counting The Cost
Damage caused by the recent harsh weather is very obvious on the surface of local roads, compounding the already extensive impact of the motorway construction traffic. In the coming weeks we will also have to assess damage to trees and plants around the village. Many, such as cordylines, phormiums and lavenders are already showing the signs of the effects of the extreme frosts and will have to be removed.

Railway 150
23rd July 2010 marks the 150th anniversary of the opening of Birdhill Railway Station. We have appointed a sub-committee to come with ideas as to how best to mark this significant milestone. Your suggestions would be welcome.

New Road
Still no definite news on when the new M7 is going to be opened. We look forward with expectation to a different village in the years ahead.

At the presentation of awards for Best Community Involvement: Johnny Murtagh (Champion Jockey), Nicholas Moroney (Station Master, Thurles & Birdhill), John Fahey and Michael Ryan (Iarnród Éireann staff, Birdhill Station), Bridget and Martin O'Brien (Birdhill Tidy Towns), Dick Foran (Chief Exexutive, Iarnród Éireann)

February 2010

Public Meeting
An important public meeting will be held in Matt The Threshers on Tuesday 16th Feb to enable local people to put forward their views on two important topics:
At 8.00p.m. we meet our consultant Frank Donaldson to inititiate the compilation of a new 3 Year Plan. Having exhausted the ideas of our own personnel in putting previous plans together (resulting in great success), we now feel that an independent view is required to take us forward. However, we will still be guided by local opinion and we therefore hope to see a good crowd on Tuesday night to get a representative view of what activities we need to embark upon.
At 9.00p.m. we will discuss the draft Village Design Statement for Birdhill. This has been prepared by North Tipp County Council and can be accessed on their website (www.northtippcoco.ie - click on Planning, go to Plans & Strategies and scroll down to Village Design Statements). A Village Design Statement describes the character of a settlement, highlights qualities which local residents consider worthy of protection and provides design guidelines to inform future development. While the name might suggest that the VDS is confined to the village area, the statement will also encompass the broader community. It is important, therefore, that all sections of the community have an input into the document. Business interests, young people, local organisations and individual members of the general public should avail of this opportunity to have an input into designing a template for the future of Birdhill.

Prizewinner
Congratulations to Dylan Mackey who won the prize in the 'Habitats Wordsearch' competition in our Christmas Newsletter. Dylan wiil receive his book tokens shortly

Jan 2010

New Year Greetings
Best wishes to all the people of Birdhill for 2010. We look forward to another busy year in Tidy Towns and the continued co-operation of all. Athbhliain faoi mhaise do mhuintir an cheantair. Go mbeidh rath ar obair na nadaoine agus i gcomortas na mBailte Slachtmhara.

Walks
While we had to postpone our walk on Sunday 10th, good crowds turned out and enjoyed our first two walks over the Christmas-New Year. The cold weather did not deter participants enjoyment of the varying elements of our environment. On Sunday 27th Dec. we had a look at the new motorway which is progressing well and on target for opening later in the year. On 3rd January we walked through the Pollaghs and 80 Acres and admired the quiet, peaceful surroundings and the frozen, deserted wetlands. (Pictures below)

Changing Times
The recent weather is something we haven't experienced for many years. Although we escaped the extremes witnessed in other parts of the country, the excessive rain followed by the cold snap presents difficulties for the human and natural environment. The pictures below show things we haven't seen for quite a while.
See also 'The Way we were' in our Picture Gallery for some of the changes which have been wrought in Birdhill over the past 20 years or so.