Terryglass flies flag for Tipperary and Ireland in Euro competition

The Entente Florale Europe movement is, in 2025, celebrating its 50th anniversary, making it the longest-running environmental awards scheme in Europe. Entente Florale Europe (EFE) is an international, non-profit organisation with the overall aim of the development and enhancement of the quality of life of rural and urban dwellers throughout Europe, through sustainable planning, landscape improvement works and the fostering of green initiatives.

The international awards scheme seeks to promote a greener and more pleasant living environment for city, town and village dwellers and to establish international contracts among the participants.

In 2025, Terryglass and Maynooth were chosen by the Department of Rural & Community Development and the Gaeltacht to represent Ireland.

Judging took place in Terryglass on Friday, July 11, which was a beautiful sunny day. The community turned out in numbers and the village and environs were displayed in all their splendour - from the well-presented buildings, to the fabulous floral displays, trees and planting and the wonderful community spirit.

The entry was co-ordinated by Terryglass Tidy Towns Committee in collaboration with Tipperary County Council.

Judging was under 10 criteria: planning and development; sustainable environment - climate change mitigation; built environment; landscape; green spaces; planting - permanent and seasonal; environmental education; effort and involvement; tourism and leisure and communications. Representatives of the community and Tipperary County Council met the judges at the various stops along the way which included the community hall, the school, the harbour, Terryglass Cottages, the Heron Monument, the Village Green, Saint Augh’s Well, the Littlewood Trail, the Church, the old Cemetery and Saint Columb’s Well.

The judges were particularly impressed by the school children who demonstrated their awareness of sustainability and climate change and also their hands-on approach in growing sunflowers and vegetables.

The Lakeshore Community Market displayed their wares on the Village Green and local musicians entertained the judges on the Littlewood Trail and at St. Augh’s Well.

JUDGES

Judges were Jarek Brzak (Chair) from the Czech Republic, Szilvia Spanyarné from Hungary and Ruediger Kirsten from Germany. They were accompanied by Dr Christy Boylan and Bill Kearney, both of whom provided support and mentorship to Terrgylass in the run-up to the competition.

The feedback from the judges was very positive - the results of the competition will be announced in Slovenia in September.

The community in Terryglass can be justifiably proud of their efforts and they represented Ireland with pride on the day.