Tom takes March Cork Person of the Month award
A Ballincollig hero has been named March’s Cork Person of the Month for their efforts to improve the community.
Tom Butler has been a chairman of Ballincollig Tidy Towns for over 25 years and has been committed to improving the community of Ballincollig. He was announced as March’s Cork Person of the Month yesterday, one of many recent wins for him and his community, another being Ballincollig winning Ireland’s Tidiest Town in 2024.
The town also won the title of Ireland’s Tidiest Large Urban Centre and secured a Gold Medal in recognition of its outstanding achievement.
For 25 years Tom has gone the extra mile to ensure Ballincollig is a litter free town. Under his leadership, the town has become a force driven by sustainability, community involvement, and environmental stewardship. Beyond awards and titles, Tom has always remained focused on the future and strives to keep Ballincollig at the forefront of environmental sustainability. His vision has always to ensure a better tomorrow for future generations to inherit and cherish.
His work has not gone unnoticed, inspiring countless local initiatives and locals to take part in events like tree planting campaigns, biodiversity projects, litter picks and educational workshops for schools. He has helped create a sense of responsibility in the community to create a greener, more vibrant town for all.
Reflecting on his journey, Tom said: “Being part of this community has been a great privilege. This award is not just for me but for every volunteer, neighbour, and supporter who has contributed to our shared vision. Together, we have turned small actions into big changes, and I’m excited to see what more we can achieve in the years ahead.”
Awards Organiser Manus O’Callaghan presented the award to Tom: “Tom embodies the essence of community spirit and leadership. His unwavering dedication to the betterment of Ballincollig and his passion for the environment are truly inspiring. Tom’s efforts have not only transformed Ballincollig but they have also left a lasting legacy for other communities to emulate. He truly deserves this recognition, with Ballincollig Tidy Towns celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. All the volunteers also deserve great credit and thanks from the whole community of Ballincollig.”
Tom will now be put forward for consideration for the title of Cork Person of the Year at the annual Gala Awards Lunch on 23 January 2026.