Cork Villages Presented with Anti-Litter Challenge Awards
65 villages competed in Cork County Council’s 2026 Anti-Litter Challenge, with awards presented in Mallow, County Hall and Clonakilty.
The cleanest villages in the county were honoured at award ceremonies following another successful Anti-Litter Challenge competition organised by Cork County Council. Sixty-five villages took part in the 2026 competition across the Council's three Divisions, continuing a tradition of strong community support for the long-running initiative.
Awards were presented at ceremonies held simultaneously in Mallow for the North Cork Division, County Hall for the Southern Division and Clonakilty for the Western Division, on Monday, 20 July 2026.
The Anti-Litter Challenge was established in the mid-1990s to support local communities in tackling litter and gives Cork County Council an opportunity to work with voluntary groups towards a common goal. This year's competition maintained the high standards and competitiveness for which it has become known, with judges detecting no litter in certain villages during six weeks of judging in April and May.
In some divisions, the standard was so high that two villages ended up sharing the top spot. Twenty-one villages shared prize money of over €16,000, with large and small villages alike recognised for their efforts.
Cllr. Bernard Moynihan, Mayor of the County of Cork:
"The success of this competition is a testament to the dedication of community groups and volunteers who work tirelessly to keep their villages clean and welcoming. With 65 villages taking part this year, I commend all participants and congratulate the winners on their achievement. We look forward to building on this success and welcoming even more communities to the challenge next year."
Full list of winners:
North Cork Division
Large villages: 1st Castletownroche, 2nd Glanworth, joint 3rd Kildorrery and Banteer Small villages: joint 1st Knocknagree and Coolagown, 3rd Lismire Best Improver: Castletownroche
South Cork Division Large villages: joint 1st Saleen and Béal Átha an Ghaorthaidh, 3rd Rostellan Small villages: joint 1st Ré na nDoirí and Rylane/Seiscne, 3rd Ballymore/Walterstown Best Improver: Killeagh
West Cork Division Large villages: 1st Ballinspittle, 2nd Union Hall, 3rd Durrus Small villages: joint 1st Drinagh, Lislevane and Newcestown Best Improver: Timoleague
Cork County Council congratulated the winners as well as all 65 villages across the county who took part in 2026.