The delegatyion from Clonegal celebrate their win at the gala ceremonyt in Belgium

THERE were scenes of joyous celebration recently when the village of Clonegal was awarded a gold medal in this year’s Entente Florale competition at a special gala ceremony in Nieuwpoort, Belgium.

A delegation from the village, as well as from Carlow County Council, was at the ceremony on Friday 27 September to hear the results of the competition, in which 11 European countries participated.

The village of Clonegal was selected by the Department of Environment, along with Ballincollig, County Cork, to represent Ireland in the prestigious competition.

“Clonegal was chosen because there was so much work put in to the village over the past 20 years,” explained Jannette O’Brien, who worked closely with the residents. “To represent your country is such an honour, and to be awarded a gold medal in the competition is so special.”

Residents in the village dedicated themselves to getting the village up to the standards required to sufficiently impress the Entente Florale judges who visited in July.

Months of hard work had been poured into the project by locals, who created a community garden and an historic fruit and vegetable garden, while a habitat survey into indigenous plants was also carried out.

Every home and business owner was encouraged to plant flowers and shrubs, while the historic churches and castle were also featured in the entry.