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A
Fantastic Day in Clonegal
On Thursday
the 25th July 2013 the International Judges arrived in Clonegal at 8.30am
to
begin their inspection of our village. They were led
into Clonegal by a piper and two people on horseback. After short Ecumenical
Prayers with Rev. Michael Stephenson and Fr. Tom O’Byrne, the Cathaoirleach
of Carlow County Council Cllr. Des Hurley welcomed the Judges and the chairperson
of The Entente Florale Jury Inka Truxova raised the Entente Flag. Following the
Flag Ceremony there was a PowerPoint Presentation in the Community Centre with
Ellen; Anna Cosgrove; Mary O’Neill Moloney and John McCabe. Then the Jury
and the community visited St. Brigid’s Church and were given a brief history
of the Church by Fr. Tom O’Byrne. Then the pupils of St. Brigid’s
National School guided the group around their school and gardens with music,
song and dance. The Judges accompanied by members of the community boarded the
bus for St. Fiaac’s where a brief history of the Church was given by Rev.
Michael Stephenson with beautiful music and dance. The group could relax for
a little time and were treated to very welcomed refreshments. After about 20
minutes they were back on the road and headed to St. Brigid’s Terrace where
they met with the Local Residents. Some short steps away are the Weaver’s
Cottages where they were entertained by demonstrations on bread making, weaving
and spinning. The restored garden at the back of the cottages was spectacular.
Then all headed down Main Street to admire the village in pristine condition
stopping off at the newly constructed Community Gardens. Then it was a Riverside
Walk and over the bridge to Watch House. Pike-men were on duty along the route!
On the bridge everyone was entertained with the singing of Boolavogue. It was
onto the bus again and they headed for Ben Mulhall Park. The Judges were astounded
by the Ben Mulhall Park and the versatility in the use of the grounds as well
as the community commitment to financially sustaining such a wonderful community
asset. The bus was boarded again for the final journey to Huntington Castle and
the group was given a tour of the castle. The Judges then retired for their deliberations.
Just after 2.00pm the Judges mingled with the crowd in the courtyard of Huntington
Castle where there was a great carnival and festive atmosphere.
Clonegal
was awarded "Gold" in Europe
The
Clonegal group with Carlow County Council officials pictured at
the Awards Ceremony in Nieuwpoort, Belgium,
Friday 27th September 2013
The
Community in Clonegal was ecstatic at the award of a Gold medal
in Europe. Clonegal represented Ireland (Village Category) in the
Entente Florale Competition across 11 European countries. The community
in Clonegal reached a very high standard and is very proud of what
has been achieved. Clonegal was honoured to have represented Ireland
and is so please to have done the very best for our country. Gold could
never have been achieved without the support, encouragement and
direction of the Community & Enterprise Department of Carlow
County Council, under the Leadership of Director of Services Bernie
O'Brien and her team including Anna Byrne & Jannette O'Brien.
A thank you is also due to the Community in Clonegal, Tidy Village
Association and the Steering Committee for all the hard work in
preparation for the great event.
To
view the assessment Report please click here
To view the Entente Florale
results please click here
We hope you enjoy a selection of photos of the day below:
