Over 160 delegates turned out in Carlow town for the Entente Florale Europe awards ceremony.
The European environmental competition, which is now in its 51st year, was hosted by the county council locally yesterday at Visual Centre of Contemporary Art & the Bernard Shaw Theatre, with funding support from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
It follows Carlow Town’s own Gold Medal in 2024 and A President’s Prize for the development of Rain Gardens earning international recognition for its commitment to sustainability, biodiversity and environmental excellence.
This year, Ireland was represented this year by Riverstown in County Sligo and Blackrock in County Louth, both up against participants from Hungary, France, Italy, Germany and Czechia. And both of the Irish crews took gold home.
Minister of State at the Health Department, Carlow Kilkenny TD Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, says; “I was delighted to attend the 2026 Entente Florale award ceremony in Carlow Town. Carlow was selected to host the awards this year, following their impressive performance in the 2024 Entente Florale Europe competition. It is also fitting to celebrate this European event here in Ireland during the period of the Irish Presidency of the EU Council.”
Presenting the Green Spaces Special award to Kecskemét at the gathering, Minister Murnane O’Connor added; “Congratulations also to Kecskemét, on receiving the Green Spaces Special award” before noting; “I also offer my deepest congratulations to Ireland’s entrants Riverstown and Blackrock on their wonderful achievements in the 2026 Entente Florale Europe competition. I recognise the support of Sligo and Louth County Councils to both Irish entries to this prestigious competition.”
The Minister also stated; “The standard of competition was exceptionally high this year across the participating European countries. The focus on sustainability, biodiversity, environmental education and inclusion in our communities are key building blocks for cohesive community, healthy environment and a vibrant local economy.
In conclusion, she commented; “Ireland’s community effort and involvement, particularly our TidyTowns volunteer movement, is very highly regarded amongst our European counterparts. Together with their local authorities, local businesses, schools and wider communities, all participants in this competition have worked together to ensure our communities can thrive”.
