Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In 2019, Glaslough village in County Monaghan was crowned all-Ireland Tidy Towns champions. It is customary for the President of the day to visit the winner as part of its celebrations. Unfortunately, as we know, in 2019 Covid was among us and that visit did not happen. However, last Saturday, President Michael D. Higgins and his good wife Sabina stood over a commitment and came to the village. It was a beautiful, remarkable day. In many ways, Glaslough is a remarkable village. Everyone turned out, from the very young to the not so young. Nearly the entire community is involved in Tidy Towns and the village is an absolute credit to them. It is not the first time that Glaslough village experienced national success. In 1978, it was also crowned all-Ireland champions. It was fitting that a number of people who were on the committee that day in 1978 were present at the function last Saturday morning. As was said at the event, the main stakeholder back then was a gentleman called Paddy Connolly, who unfortunately is no longer with us, but it was nice that Paddy was recognised on the day. To the people of Glaslough, I say “Well done”. They are an absolute credit. To the Acting Leader, the Cathaoirleach and all the Members who have not had the pleasure of visiting Glaslough village, if they can take time this summer and come for the weekend, I trust they will be highly impressed by it. If they let me know when they are coming, we might organise a cup of tea or coffee for them.