Entente Florale Europe, organised by the Association Européenne pour le Fleurissement et le Paysage (AEFP), is an international awards scheme promoting sustainable urban development and community engagement through floral and landscape enhancement. In 2024, seven countries participated, with 11 towns and villages assessed by an international jury based on criteria including landscape quality, biodiversity, environmental sustainability, community involvement, and educational initiatives.
Ireland achieved significant success in the 2024 competition. Carlow Town was awarded a Gold Medal, the President’s Award for its innovative rain gardens, and a Special Characteristic Prize for the Delta Sensory Gardens . Ballinahown village in County Westmeath also received a Gold Medal, recognised for its community spirit and traditional Irish architecture .
These accolades highlight the dedication of local communities, volunteers, and authorities in enhancing public spaces and fostering sustainable living environments.
The Entente Florale tour consisted of 10 stops in the village covering the 10 adjudication criteria. These were meticulously timed and rehearsed in advance, time keeping was key to the success, ensuring the tour was covered in between 10.30am and 4.00pm.
The tour started with a meet and greet and the raising of the flags, followed by a presentation in the hall. The jury were won over by a video recorded by the school children showing what Ballinahown means to them. You can watch it here.
Westmeath County Council Representatives
- Mr Barry Kehoe, County Manager
- Ms Jackie Finney, Director of Services
- Mr Willie Ryan, District Manager
- Mr Ambrose Clarke, Director of Services
- Christina Sweeney, Biodiversity
- Shane Boylan, Environment
- Tom Daly, Horticulture
- Pat Nally, Transport
- Cathaldus Hartlin, Planning
- Orla McGann, Planning
- Melanie McQuaid, Heritage
- Bernard Sorohan, Clerk of Works
- Una Doris, Tourism
Expert Representation
Also, on hand to meet the jury were our supporting experts:
- Feidhlim Harty Ecologist / Water management plan
- Dr Catherine O’Connell Ecologist / Biodiversity Plan
- Mr Basil Mannion LAWPRO
Local Community Representation
Ballinahown Community was represented by the following groups whose members were available to speak to the jury:
- Ballinahown 2030 Plan – Martin Murray
- containing all the press releases, articles and social media content surrounding Ballinahown’s entry to Entente Florale
- Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board
- St Mary’s Community Employment Scheme
- Stepping Stones Early Learning Centre
- Doon GAA
- Castledaly GAA
- Ballinahown FC
- Parents Association
- Groups using the Hall; Parent & Toddler, Active Age, Progressive 50 Cards group
Insert Link to the Scrapbook here
10 Adjudication Criteria
| 1 | Planning and Development |
| 2 | Sustainable Environment – Climate Change Mitigation |
| 3 | Built environment |
| 4 | Landscape |
| 5 | Green spaces |
| 6 | Planting – Permanent and/or Seasonal |
| 7 | Environmental education |
| 8 | Effort and involvement |
| 9 | Tourism and/or Leisure |
| 10 | Communication |
The Entente Florale tour consisted of 10 stops in the village covering the 10 criteria. You can view our Entente Florale Guide book here and Map here.
Please see the list of the stops and who spoke at each one:
| Stops | Speakers | |
| 1 | Car Park – Market, Fountain, Sculpture & Fountain | Cllr. John Dolan, Cathaldas Hartlin, Nicola Rohan, Fiona Seery |
| 2 | Polytunnel & Environs | Fiona McHugh, Kelly Zelazek, Hannah & Charlie Corcoran |
| 3 | 1916 Garden & Slí an hAbhainn | Rupert Flood, Willie Ryan |
| 4 | Recycling Centre & Swale | Shane Boylan, Cathriona & Oscar McGowan |
| 5 | School Grounds & All-Weather Pitch | Tom Keena, Karen Webb, Christina Sweeney, Enda Hanniffy
Children: Thomas and Lucas Webb, Senan Keena |
| 6 | Sports Park, Sculpture Trail and Woodland Walk | Denis Rohan, Tom Daly and Anne-Maree O’Brien |
| 7 | Playground | Bernard Sorohan & Lorraine Farrell |
| 8 | Biodiversity Park | Feidhlim Harty, Catherine O’Connell, Geraldine Byrne
|
| 9 | Amphitheatre | Cliona Rohan, Basil Mannion, Richie Clarke |
| 10 | Streetscape and St Colmcille’s Church | Martin Murray and Fr. Brendan O’Sullivan |
