Carrick on Shannon took GOLD in the European Entente Florale Awards in Cervia, Italy at the weekend. Twelve countries participated in the towns category and Carrick on Shannon was one of only four towns in Europe that won gold.
“It was a great achievement for a first time entrant” stated Councillor Frank Dolan, Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council. The Cathaoirleach said that “the gold win started with the vision of the County Manager in accepting the offer of participating in the competition at a time when the town was under flood waters – the participation in the competition helped to transform the town for the Summer” He went on to compliment all who were involved, adding that this shows what volunteerism and co-operation can do.
A huge effort was put in by everybody to ensure the town looked its best for the judging day. The efforts were led by Leitrim County Council and the Tidy Towns with help from local business, the people of Carrick, local Sponsors and the Chamber of Commerce. Many people have commented on the work that was evident throughout the year in transforming the town from the flooding to a town which achieved a minimum of 85/100 from every judge! The jury were most impressed with the tree planting throughout the town and the quality and presentation of the new trees in particular. The jury also complimented the first impressions created by the roundabouts on the Dublin road, the vibrant colour on adjudication day was colourful and excellently presented.
Jackie Maguire, County Manager, speaking after the presentation of the award said “This is a great honour for the town. We had severe flooding last winter but we were determined that Carrick-on-Shannon would look better than ever by Summer. We are delighted that an independent jury has recognised all of our hard work. There were over 100 people involved in this venture. All credit goes to each and every one of them".
The assessment report stated that the “town was clean, tidy and colourful with some very well presented traditional shopfronts.. it was obvious to the jury members that the town traders are very much part of the Tidy Towns effort”. Mary Farrelly, Secretary of Carrick Tidy Towns, speaking after Carrick had received the gold medal said “she was extremely thankful to all involved the Tidy Towns Volunteers, indoor and outdoor staff of Leitrim County Council, businesses, residents and the sponsors – without their help this would not have been possible”.
In addition to the Tidy Towns and Leitrim County Council another key element was sponsorship provided for the entry from Padraig Glancy Supervalue, Woodies DIY and Garden Centre, Tesco, MBNA/Bank of America, Heatons, Boots Chemist, Menarys, MRD Marketing Ltd, An Post, Reynolds Topline, Joyces Superstores, Aib Bank Main Street, Coxs
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Members of Leitrim County Council accepting the GOLD Award for Carrick-on-Shannon at the Entente Florale Awards Ceremony in Cervia, Italy at the weekend
L to R: John McGuinness, Director of Infrastructure, Norma Duignan, Carrick Tidy Towns, Jackie Maguire, County Manager, Cllr Frank Dolan, Cathaoirleach, Mary Farrelly, Tidy Towns, Eamon De Stafford, Irish Jury Member, Amy Farrelly, Tidy Towns, Phyll Faughnan, Tidy Towns, Sinead McDermott, Tourism Officer, Nollaig Whyte, Community & Enterprise Officer.
Carrick-on-Shannon Entente Florale Website - www.leitrim.ie/carrick
Entente Florale Europe - www.entente-florale.eu