Dan McInerney, Rev Paul Fitzpatrick and Michael Roberts at the Entente Florale public information session in the Carlow Town Hall Photos: michaelorourkephotography.ie
Marie Gallagher, Margaret Collins and Tina Behan at the Entente Florale public information session
Christy Moylan, Barry Knowles and cllr Fergal Browne
Carlow County Council’s Michael Brennan with Cathy and Bill Kearney from Entente Florale
At the Entente Florale public information session in the Carlow Town Hall were Cllr Ken Murnane, Wayne Fennell, chairperson Carlow Tidy Towns and David Ryan vice president Sustainability at SETU
At the Entente Florale public information session in the Carlow Town Hall were David Ryan vice president Sustainability at SETU, Carol Anderson Carlow County Council and Cllr Fergal Browne
CARLOW town is gearing up to represent Ireland in the prestigious International Entente Florale competition this year.
The competition was founded in 1975, initially between Britain and France. Currently, countries taking part are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary and Ireland, with each putting forward a representative town and village.
Carlow first participated in this competition in 1989 and last entered it in 2013, when Clonegal won gold. Leighlinbridge also took part in Entente Florale in 2001 and also clinched gold.
An information evening took place in Carlow Town Hall on Thursday 11 April, with more than 40 people turning out to hear about the upcoming events.
Fianna Fáil councillor Andrea Dalton, cathaoirleach of the council, welcomed everyone to the event. Secretary general Bill Kearney outlined what Entente Florale entails, followed by Dr Christy Boylan, chair of the Entente Florale jury, who explained the judging criteria. Senior engineer Barry Knowles presented some of the enhancement works which have been carried out to date.
Laura Kelly, the council’s community development officer, said: “Three international judges will arrive in Carlow town in July to carry out an assessment. Judging takes place over six hours and will incorporate visits to local amenities and attractions such as St Mary’s Church, SETU and the Delta Sensory Gardens.
“The council has undertaken significant enhancement works across the town and work is set to continue with upgrading of the town park, lighting and enhancement works and the development of sustainable rainwater gardens such as those on the Pollerton Road.”
