Blackrock Awarded a Gold Medal at Entente Florale Europe Awards
Blackrock received a Gold Medal at the 2026 Entente Florale Europe Awards Ceremony in Carlow on Saturday, 19 September.
The award recognises the exceptional efforts of Blackrock Tidy Towns, local residents, schools, businesses, community groups, and Louth County Council to enhance and sustain the village’s environment and quality of life.
Entente Florale Europe is a European standards-based programme that celebrates excellence in horticulture, sustainability, biodiversity, environmental management and community participation. Entries are assessed by an international jury against a range of criteria, with participants receiving bronze, silver or gold medals based on the marks achieved.
The Gold Medal follows the visit of the international jury to Blackrock in July, when judges were welcomed to the village and taken on a 12-stop tour highlighting projects and initiatives across the community.
The route highlighted Blackrock’s strengths in biodiversity, heritage, education, recreation, tourism and sustainability, while demonstrating the strong spirit of volunteerism and collaboration that exists throughout the area.
Adding to the success, Blackrock also received the School Grounds Thematic Prize, sponsored by SAP Landscapes Ltd, Ireland. One of the stops on the judges’ itinerary was St Francis National School, where pupils and staff displayed initiatives linked to Blackrock Community Park and wider environmental projects.
The award recognises school communities that design, create and maintain school grounds and gardens in a sustainable way to enhance biodiversity, support climate awareness and promote wellbeing, learning and community engagement.
Cllr Dolores Minogue, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said: “I would like to warmly congratulate Blackrock on this outstanding achievement. Blackrock is one of County Louth’s most picturesque villages, and this is fitting recognition of the care and dedication that has gone into making it such a wonderful place to live and visit. I also want to acknowledge the incredible work of Blackrock Tidy Towns, and all the Tidy Towns groups right across Louth, whose volunteers make an invaluable contribution to their communities every day.”
Speaking at the awards, Cllr Shane McGuinness, Leas Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said: “This Gold Medal is a tremendous achievement and a testament to the pride of place that is so evident throughout the village and community in Blackrock. From residents and volunteers to schools, businesses and community organisations, everyone played a part in showcasing the absolute best of Blackrock. The added recognition for St Francis National School is particularly encouraging and highlights the importance of engaging young people in protecting and enhancing their local environment for future generations.”
John Horan, Blackrock Tidy Towns, said: “This award belongs to the entire community. It reflects years of dedication, partnership and volunteer effort by so many people who care deeply about Blackrock. We are especially proud that the judges recognised the contribution of St Francis National School and the positive impact of environmental education and community involvement. It was a true team effort, and we are delighted to see that commitment rewarded on a European stage.”
David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, said: “The success of Blackrock at Entente Florale Europe demonstrates what can be achieved when communities and local authorities work together towards a shared vision. This Gold Medal recognises the beauty of Blackrock, and the significant work that has taken place to support biodiversity, improve public spaces, strengthen community wellbeing, and promote sustainability. I would like to congratulate Blackrock Tidy Towns, St Francis National School, and our own staff across many directorates at Louth County Council for the tremendous work they put into this outstanding achievement.”
For more information on Entente Florale Europe, visit www.entente-florale.eu