THERE were more text messages sent and even more Facebook postings made in Ardara yesterday that anywhere else in the county – as a judge of The Best Place To Live awards came a-calling!
The village/town (we’re still arguing over that one) has already made the top five in Ireland having been named the Best Village.
One message posted on Facebook told fellow locals: “Judge is touring town on her own, wearing dark green coat, brown boots, lovely girl, so show her how lovely we Ardara people are too!”
Other messages followed, with one insisting: “Sure we do that all the time. No need for the warning.”
It was of course all a bit of craic.
The Irish Times award is much coveted.
In choosing Ardara, the judges noted that it “makes the best of what it has and it has a lot for a relatively small place – schools, good shops – and it’s hard to get vacant premises in the village.”
Its many festivals, including the multicultural Melting Pot festival, also played a role. Jenny McHugh, who nominated the village, wrote: “There are few places that can boast such a tight sense of community as Ardara. We have so many events throughout the year, catering for visitors and locals alike and showcasing some top-class music, crafts and family entertainment. The people of Ardara work hard and work together, helping to put our town on the map.”
Having been named the Best Village In Ireland, Ardara must now wait…to see if it is the best place out of all.
