Circular Road, Renmore, and Salthill are among the areas represented at this year's Galway City Gardens of the Year Awards, which were announced this week.
The competition is organised annually by Galway City Council to recognise the efforts of residents, commercial organisations, and public buildings to maintain and enhance the appearance of their gardens, estates, and public areas, and add biodiversity to the city. The competition is supported by Dangan Nurseries and Galway Crystal.
The overall winner of Best Garden, for the second-year running, was Michael Duffy from Circular Road, with Tony Kelly from Renmore taking the prize for the Best Floral Display.
Oaklands Residents Association was awarded the Best Residential Area under 50 houses. Fort Lorenzo Residents Association was named Best Residential Area (50-200 houses ), and Tirellan Heights Residents Association was recognised as the Best Residential Area with 200 houses or more.
Knocknacarra Park won the best community garden category, and The Ardilaun Hotel won Best Public and Commercial Garden for the second year in a row.
Galway Educate Together was the overall winner in the schools category, and St Patrick’s National School, Lombard Street once again won the Best Floral Display.
“In line with Galway City Council’s objectives in the Biodiversity Action Plan and the National Pollinator Plan, gardeners were asked to enhance their gardens and green spaces for wildlife and pollinating bees, birds and insects," said Tiarnan McCusker, environmental awareness officer with Galway City Council. "Well done to all the 2023 entrants and many thanks to this year’s sponsors Dangan Nurseries and Galway Crystal for their continued support.”
2023 winners
Best Garden in Galway City: Michael Duffy.
Best Containers and Window Boxes: Tony Kelly.
Best Community Garden: Knocknacarra Park.
Best Residential Area 0-50 Houses: Oaklands Residents Association.
Best Residential Area 50-200 Houses: Fort Lorenzo.
Best Residential Area 200 Houses or more: Tirellan Heights.
Schools Best Garden: Galway Educate Together NS.
Schools Best Floral Display: St Patrick's Primary School.
Best public and commercial premises: The Ardilaun Hotel.
Residential area winners
Bushypark/Dangan/Circular Road: First Michael Duffy; second Tina McHugh.
Castlegar/Menlo: First Martha Lynch; second Mary Boyle.
Headford Road: First Sean Hynes; second Michael Grealish.
City Centre/Bohermore: First Nichola Dalrymple; Second Deirdre O'Hara.
Riverside/Tuam Road: First Noel McGuire.
Mervue: First Seamus King; second John Connaughton.
Renmore/Murrough: First Tony Kelly; second Patricia Ryan.
Salthill: First Mary Hodkinson; second Mary Philomena Helly.
Knocknacarra: First Aideen Ward; second Tracy Boland.
Taylor’s Hill: First Tom Ford; second William F Hurley.
Shantalla: First Gabriel Kelly; second Kevin and Ursula Lally.
Newcastle: First Conor Grennan; second Margaret Gouyet.
Ballybane: First Mary Delaney; second Noel Boyle.
Ballybrit: First Pat Brogan.
Doughiska/Merlin Lane: First Marie Costello; second Dorothy Nolan.
Claddagh: First Noel Coyne; second Joan O'Dea.
Rahoon: First Alan Sixsmith; second Helen Tuite.
For further information on the competition see www.GalwayCity.ie/Galway-City-Gardens-of-the-Year
