European competition judges to visit Ballinahown this weekend

The Chairperson of Ballinahown Community Development has said it is a privilege for the village to be representing Ireland in Entente Florale, a Europe-wide competition of villages, towns, and cities. In existence since 1975, it seeks to promote a greener and more pleasant environment with an emphasis on sustainable environmental measures.

Ireland is one of eleven entrants to the 2024 competition, with the participating town and village being chosen by the Tidy Towns Department of Rural and Community Development. This year they picked Carlow, and Westmeath's very own gem, Ballinahown.

Helen Conneely, Chairperson of Ballinahown Community Development, said: “It's a privilege to be invited. It's a lot of work but it's a privilege.”

The entire community has come together to ensure the village is presented to the highest possible standard in advance of the visit of the international jury planned for Saturday, July 13.

There will also be a pop-up market in Ballinahown on July 13, from 10am until 1pm. It will showcase the best of what the local area has to offer with a variety of stalls on the day, including organic fruit and vegetables, local honey, homemade gifts, personalised gifts, locally-made candles, home baking, sweets and treats, wood craft, and local art and photography.

When the judges arrive on July 13, they will be greeted by a village that has enhanced its natural beauty and developed new projects and initiatives centred around biodiversity and sustainability. They will meet members of the community group and council officials before a flag-raising ceremony. A presentation will then take place in the community hall before the judges visit 10 stops in the village and meet with community representatives and experts the group has worked with over the years.

Helen Conneely emphasised: “In Ballinahown, we're a small village in a rural area. Sustainability, and reusing what we had on hand always underpinned everything we did. In terms of sustainability, what we grow is for pollinators, for wildlife, and for protecting the environment for all the different species.

“We couldn't have gotten here without the county council supporting us. It's a joint initiative. Westmeath County Council have been really supportive, and we're working very closely with them towards the competition.”

Fine Gael councillor John Dolan, who is also the vice-chairperson of Ballinahown Community Development, echoed Helen's sentiments: “It was an honour for us to be nominated. We've had to engage with the council. The council have come onboard with additional funding and additional help, and it really has made the whole thing possible. We're the first Westmeath village to ever enter this competition and represent Ireland, as far as I know anyway. Ballinahown has been nominated for this because it has been the village that it is."

The presentation of the awards will take place in Szekesfehérvár, Hungary, on September 7, with the winners being awarded a golden, silver, or bronze plaque.

Read more about Ballinahown's biodiversity projects here.

Pupils from Ballinahown NS have their say here.