Gold for Ballinahown at Entente Florale Europe
The village of Ballinahown has won a gold medal award at Entente Florale Europe and was recognised for its community involvement.
The prestigious Europe-wide competition aims to promote the sustainable development of European towns, cities and villages and enhance the quality of life of their citizens.
An international jury visited Ballinahown in July, where they judged the village across ten criteria and visited several sites and facilities in the village. On Saturday last, it was revealed that Ballinahown had received gold at a prizegiving ceremony in Szekesfehérvár, Hungary. Members of Ballinahown Community Development, as well as representatives of Westmeath County Council, were in attendance at the awards ceremony to hear the results, while many members of the community watched online.
Ballinahown also received a Special Characteristic Prize for the energy, enthusiasm and involvement of the local community.
Chairperson of Ballinahown Community Development, Helen Conneely, said: “We are overjoyed with our gold medal. It is a huge reward for our community and all of the effort in preparing for Entente Florale Europe.”
“Participating in the competition was a fantastic opportunity for us and to have achieved the gold standard is simply amazing. This award is for our entire community and it wouldn’t have been possible without the input of all of those who give up their time freely and our CE workers, past and present,” added Helen.
Cllr John Dolan, vice-chairperson of Ballinahown Community Development, added: “A lot of people have put in a huge effort over many years to bring Ballinahown up to this standard. And so to have been recognised for the energy, enthusiasm and involvement of the local community is fabulous. It is very well deserved and it was an honour to be present as we received these two awards.”
A celebration event for the whole community will be held in Ballinahown Community Hall in November.
On their adjudication visit in July, the international jury visited a number of sites and facilities, including the community car park and market area; the new history panels in the pergola area; the community polytunnel; the 1916 Garden; its innovative recycling area; Ballinahown NS, the all-weather pitch; Ballinahown Sportspark; the woodland walk; sculpture trail; Ballinahown Biodiversity Park; the community amphitheatre; the playground and St Colmcille’s Church.