Winners announced for Longford County Council Better Estate Awards 2026

Awards celebrate County Longford people and their estates

Press Release: Monday, 18 May 2026

Longford County Council are pleased to announce the winners of the Better Estate Awards 2026, following the awards ceremony which took place on Wednesday, 13 May in Áras an Chontae, Longford County Council.
The Better Estates Awards is a Longford County Council initiative to honour groups and individuals that have worked hard to help maintain the appearance of their estates. Categories include awards for large, medium and small estates, with additional prizes that acknowledge new groups and notable mentions. Estates within the county that have active residents’ groups are the most in demand by prospective tenants and are among the most attractive estates in County Longford.
The Best Large Estate award went to Annaly Park in Longford Town, Best Medium Estate winner was Smithfield, Legan while River Cresent in Ballinalee was the winner of the Best Small Estate award.
Congratulating all winners, Cathaoirleach Cllr Garry Murtagh said, “These awards recognise the real effort made by residents across County Longford to look after their estates and their shared spaces. Strong estates do not happen by accident. They are built through cooperation, care and local pride. I want to commend every group and individual involved, as their work makes our towns and villages better places to live for everyone.”
Chief Executive Paddy Mahon added, “I want to pay tribute to all our residents’ groups, not just those accepting awards. Residents’ groups play a vital role in our housing estates. They give residents a shared voice, strengthen community ties, and provide a constructive and practical way for local issues to be raised, discussed and addressed. They help to foster a sense of ownership and pride, and they encourage people to work together for the good of their community.”
Winners in the large, medium and small estate categories are:

Best Large Estate:
Winner: Annaly Park, Longford Town
Runner up: Church View, Lanesboro
Best Medium Estate:
Winner: Smithfield, Legan
Runner up: Foxhall Crescent
Best Small Estate:
Winner: River Crescent, Ballinalee
Runner up: Parkside Gardens, Ballymahon

In addition, there were a number of other themed/special awards.

Biodiversity Award: St Emer’s, Longford 
Most Inclusive Estate: Mill Race, Drumlish
Best Estate Improvement Plan Award: Church View, Lanesboro
Community Pride: Devine Cresent, Edgeworthstown 
Estate Enhancement: Park Villas, Longford 
Best New Estate: Campbell’s Drive, Longford
Public Realm Improvements: MacEoin Park Residents