Special event marks Carlow’s success in Entente Florale

A SPECIAL recognition evening was held in Carlow Town Hall recently to celebrate a golden moment for Carlow town and its army of volunteers and community groups following its stunning success in the recent Entente Florale competition.

At the finals of the Entente Florale Europe in Hungary recently, the town won a Gold Award in the Town Category, a Special Characteristic Award for Delta Sensory Gardens and the coveted President’s Prize for the town’s innovative rain gardens.

Carlow town was entered in the competition in 2019, when the local Tidy Towns group took the initiative to submit an application through the Department of Rural and Community Development. A steering group was set up to drive the project, which was led by the community section in Carlow County Council. Special recognition was given to the steering group who spearheaded this project and the mentors who guided them – Bill Kearney, Christy Boylan, and Eamonn Stafford – whose leadership was instrumental in securing the town’s success.

The celebration evening was attended by leas-cathaoirleach cllr Tommy Kinsella, mayor of Carlow Municipal District cllr Fintan Phelan, elected members, Carlow County Council, community groups, Carlow Tidy Towns, residents’ associations, businesses and all involved in Carlow’s Entente Florale entry.

Leas-cathaoirleach Kinsella said: “Carlow town’s history with Entente Florale dates back to 1989, when the town received a Silver Award. The town has drawn inspiration from previous local successes, such as the Gold Awards earned by Leighlinbridge and Clonegal in 2001 and 2013 respectively, and now we add a gold for Carlow town to the collection.” 

On 12 July last, three international adjudicators – Jaroslav Brzak (Czechia), Eszter Toth (Hungary) and Hildegunde Henrich (Germany) – visited Carlow for the judging process. Accompanying them were Irish mentors and observers Dr Christy Boylan, Bill Kearney and Eamonn DeStafford. Their involvement underscored the strong ties that Carlow continues to maintain with the competition. The awards were announced at the European event, which took place in Hungary in last month.

“A Gold Medal for Carlow town, a Special Characteristic prize for the Delta Sensory Gardens and the President’s Prize for our rain gardens … this is truly a momentous occasion for our community, one that reflects not just our love for our town but our collective dedication to ensuring it thrives as a vibrant, sustainable and inclusive place for all,” said mayor Phelan.

“Carlow Tidy Towns, Carlow County Council, voluntary groups and business throughout Carlow, and indeed all Carlovians, can be rightly proud of this achievement,” he added.

Speaking at the event, Michael Brennan of Carlow County Council recognised the success of Carlow town.

“This achievement is not just for a few but for everyone in Carlow town. It reflects our commitment to collaboration and to our community in Carlow town. Taking part in Entente Florale Europe has allowed Carlow to highlight the wonderful community groups and organisations it has, and for this they now have received the recognition they deserve.” Carlow town’s success in the Entente Florale competition is a testament to the power of community collaboration and a shared vision for the future.

;