Blackrock Shines as Entente Florale Europe Jury Visits County Louth

Blackrock was bathed in glorious sunshine for the arrival of the Entente Florale Europe judging committee on Wednesday, 8 July.

Members of the international jury, made up of representatives from Czechia, Hungary, Spain, Italy and Germany, were accompanied by Irish mentors Bill Kearney, Dr Christy Boylan and Bernadette Solan, whose knowledge, experience and guidance have played an important role in Blackrock’s preparations in the lead up to the event.

The visit marked the culmination of over a year of planning and collaboration between Blackrock Tidy Towns, Louth County Council, community groups, businesses and residents, who all worked together to showcase the very best that the area has to offer.

Proceedings began at Blackrock and Haggardstown Community Centre, where the jury was welcomed with a presentation and exhibition showcasing Blackrock's achievements in areas such as biodiversity, planning, tourism and community life.

The jury then attended a flag-raising ceremony on the promenade, accompanied by traditional Irish music, before embarking on a 12-stop tour of the village and surrounding area.

The route took in a range of locations that demonstrated Blackrock's strengths across the Entente Florale Europe judging criteria, including Priest's Beach, St Oliver Plunkett's Church, Dundalk Golf Club, The New Line, the Old Mass Path, Hamilton Marsh, St Francis National School, Rathmount Estate and Blackrock Park.

At each location, the jury met the people behind many of the key projects in Blackrock, gaining an insight into the work taking place across the community in areas such as biodiversity, heritage, education, recreation and sustainability.

Community participation was evident throughout the day. Local traders set up stalls beside the old swimming pool walkway, pupils from St Francis National School delivered presentations to the jury, and children from Rathmount Estate proudly showcased artwork created especially for the occasion.

Residents, volunteers and local groups were also on hand throughout the route to offer their encouragement and demonstrate the strong community spirit that underpins Blackrock's entry.

Cllr Shane McGuinness, Leas-Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, praised the efforts of all involved.

"Blackrock looked absolutely magnificent, and that is down to the dedication and hard work of so many people across the community. Blackrock Tidy Towns deserves enormous credit for the leadership it has shown throughout this process, while residents, businesses, schools, sporting organisations and community groups have all played their part.

“The judges were given a fantastic insight into what makes Blackrock such a special place. The sense of pride, volunteerism and community spirit on display throughout the day was something everyone involved can be extremely proud of."

David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, said the visit highlighted the strength of collaboration between the Council and the local community.

"This visit was the focal point of a year's planning and partnership between Louth County Council, Blackrock Tidy Towns and the wider community. It provided an opportunity to showcase not only the natural beauty of Blackrock, but also the significant work that has been undertaken to enhance public spaces, support biodiversity, improve infrastructure and strengthen the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

"The enthusiasm and professionalism demonstrated throughout the day reflected extremely well on Blackrock and County Louth, and I would like to thank everyone who contributed to making the visit such a success."

John Horan, Chairperson of Blackrock Tidy Towns, said the day represented an important milestone for the area.

"We were delighted to have the opportunity to show the judges everything that Blackrock has to offer. We certainly put our best foot forward, and I am immensely proud of what the community demonstrated throughout the day.

“The weather was glorious, the interaction between the judges, speakers, local businesses and community groups was fantastic, and there was a real sense of positivity right across the route. I want to sincerely thank everyone who contributed in any way over the past year. This was a community effort in every sense of the word.

"Following their deliberations, the jury provided oral feedback on the visit, and we were encouraged by their comments. They were particularly impressed by Blackrock's green infrastructure, our emphasis on biodiversity and the range of sustainability initiatives on display throughout the route. They also remarked on the high level of community engagement and noted that they did not encounter any litter during their visit, which is a testament to the work being carried out day in, day out by volunteers and residents alike.

"Of course, the final decision now rests with the jury, and we will have to wait until the awards ceremony in September to learn the outcome. Regardless of the result, everyone involved can be extremely proud of what was achieved and how Blackrock presented itself on the European stage."

Jarek Brzák, Chair of the Entente Florale Europe jury, said:

“On behalf of the jury, I would like to thank everyone who gave us such a warm welcome in Blackrock. We found many of the criteria to be at a very high standard, and Blackrock is a village that we will certainly promote to other municipalities around Europe.”

For more information, visit www.entente-florale.eu.