Louth County Council proudly hosted the sixth annual Louth In Bloom Awards at the picturesque Bellingham Castle, honouring the outstanding contributions of individuals and communities dedicated to enhancing the natural beauty of County Louth.
Organised by the Community Section of Louth County Council, the event brought together passionate volunteers, Tidy Towns groups, business sector representatives, and environmental advocates, all united by a shared commitment to community pride and environmental enhancement.
The evening was opened by Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, who commended the entrants for their dedication and impact, saying: “Well done and congratulations to all the entrants for their unwavering dedication. We understand the profound influence of the environment we live in on our overall well-being. Through your diligent efforts, be it, tending to your gardens or crafting beautiful floral displays, you've left an indelible mark on your local communities and on the county.”
A highlight of the evening was a keynote address by Ms Éanna Ní Lamhna, renowned environmentalist, author, and proud native of County Louth. Her inspiring words emphasised the importance of biodiversity, sustainability, and active community involvement in protecting and enhancing the local environment.
Winners were announced per district, with presentations made by the respective Cathaoirleach from each Municipal and Borough District. Ms Ní Lamhna had the honour of presenting the awards to the deserving recipients.
The evening culminated with the announcement of the overall county winners in each category by Cllr Kelly, followed by a special moment as Chief Executive David Conway presented the inaugural Éanna Ní Lamhna Trophy for Outstanding Contribution to Ms Eileen Carter of Blackrock Tidy Towns. Her tireless work in Blackrock, particularly in the park and wider community, was met with heartfelt applause.
“This event stands out as a highlight in the council's annual calendar,” said Mr Conway. “I have deep admiration for the dedicated volunteers across the county who put in significant effort to preserve and elevate the charm of their towns and villages. It's one of the driving factors behind Louth's consistent success in the National Tidy Towns competition each year. Congratulations to all the entrants.”
Slí Ghlas an Lú Awards Recognise Climate Action Excellence
Also announced during the ceremony were the Slí Ghlas an Lú Awards, a new initiative aimed specifically at Tidy Towns groups to celebrate local climate action and sustainability projects. These awards highlight the innovative work being carried out by Tidy Towns groups across Louth in support of environmental resilience.
Prizes were awarded to the highest-scoring project in each category. Most entrants received Gold, Silver, or Bronze awards based on their final scores. New signage reflecting these awards will be erected in towns and villages across the county in the coming weeks.
Dundalk Municipal District
Cllr Robert Nash, Cathaoirleach of Dundalk Municipal District, announced the winners in the Dundalk area.
- Category A Estates (fewer than 50 houses)1st: Priorland Grove, Dundalk 2nd: Carrol Mead, Dundalk 3rd: Lisroland View Estate, Knockbridge
- Category B Estates (More than 50 houses)1st: Willow Grove, Dundalk 2nd: Clós Na Manach, Carlingford 3rd: Lis Na Dara, Dundalk
- Best Rural Garden1st: Lough View House, Omeath- for their striking and vibrant garden 2nd: Ethel Watters, Halftate, Knockbridge 3rd: Geraldine Marmion, Carrickedmond
- Best Town Garden:1st: Pauline & Tom Lannigan, Beech Park, Blackrock 2nd: John & Ann McMahon, Willow Grove, Dundalk 3rd: John Conachy, Greenacres, Dundalk
- Best Presented Hospitality Premises: Rosemount B&B, Dundalk
- Best Biodiversity/Sustainable Initiative/Project: Blackrock Park Grow Zone, Dundalk
- Best Presented Business Premises Dundalk Dog Rescue, Dromiskin, Dundalk
- Best Tidy Town Sustainable Innovative Initiative Omeath Tidy Towns for their Circular Economy Initiatives
Cathaoirleach of Ardee Municipal District, Cllr Dolores Minogue, announced the winners in the Ardee area.
- Category A Estates (fewer than 50 houses)1st: Glyde Road, Tallanstown 2nd: Maryville, Dunleer 3rd: Cherrywood Park, Tallanstown
- Category B (Estates with more than 50 houses)1st: Cappocksgate, Ardee 2nd: Ferdia Park, Ardee 3rd: Sliabh Breagh, Ardee
- Best Rural Garden1st: Margaret & Peadar Thompson, ‘Anfield House’, Coole 2nd: Peadar Lynch, Roodstown, Ardee 3rd: Edgar & Lily Treadwell, Drumcar
- Best Town Garden1st: Declan & Rosaleen McKeown, Dunleer 2nd: Roderick Rooney, Cottage View, Old Dawson Demesne, Ardee 3rd: Ann O’Rourke Cappocksgate, Ardee
- Best Presented Hospitality Premises Sarks Pub, Louth Village
- Best Biodiversity/Sustainable Initiative Project Ardee Parish Centre, Ardee
- Best Presented Business Premises Larry Hand & Sons Butchers, Dunleer
- Best Tidy Town Sustainable Innovative Initiative Dunleer Tidy Towns for their Garden of Remembrance in Dunleer
The Mayor of the Borough District of Drogheda, Cllr Michelle Hall, announced the winners for the Drogheda area.
- Category A Estates (fewer than 50 houses)1st: Harmony Heights, Drogheda 2nd: Beaulieu View, Drogheda 3rd: An Rian, Drogheda
- Category B Estates (More than 50 houses)1st: Wheaton Hall, Drogheda 2nd: Forest Grange, Drogheda 3rd: Five Oaks Village, Drogheda
- Best Rural Garden1st: Sean McCormack, Tullyesker 2nd: Ann Humphreys, Old Farm House, Termonfeckin 3rd: Martin Brady, Belview, Cartown
- Best Town Garden1st: Deborah O’Brien-Lynch, Forest Edge, Stameen 2nd: Madeline & Nicholas Heeney, Ashfield, Drogheda 3rd: Josephine Moran, Georgian Close, Drogheda
- Best Presented Hospitality Premises Moore’s Caravan Park, Clogherhead
- Best Biodiversity Initiative:Townley Hall Walled Garden
- Best Presented Business Premises: Tredagh Lodge Alzheimer’s Day Care Centre
- Best Tidy Town Sustainable Innovative Initiative: Drogheda Tidy Towns, for their work on the Old Quarry Way
Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr Seán Kelly, announced the Overall Winners.
- Estates Harmony Heights, Drogheda (Cat A less than 50 Houses), Willow Grove, Dundalk (Cat B over 50 Houses)
- Best Rural Garden Margaret & Peadar Thompson, ‘Anfield House’, Coole
- Best Town Garden Pauline & Tom Lannigan Beech Park, Blackrock
- Best Biodiversity/Sustainable Initiative/Project Blackrock Park Grow Zone
- Best Tidy Town Sustainable Innovative Project Omeath Tidy Towns, Circular Economies Initiatives
- Best Presented Business Premises Tredagh Lodge Alzheimer’s Day Care Centre Drogheda
- Best Presented Hospitality Premises Moore’s Caravan Park, Clogherhead.
Slí Ghlas an Lú Awards
- Sustainable Energy Initiative/Project: Blackrock Tidy Towns
- Litter Management Initiative/Project: Dromiskin Tidy Towns
- Sustainable Community Environment/Biodiversity Initiative/Project: Carlingford Tidy Towns
- Sustainable Food Initiative/Project: Dundalk Tidy Towns
- Sustainable Recycling Initiative/Project: Omeath Tidy Towns
- Overall County Winner: Blackrock Tidy Towns
