Coleraine celebrates success as it wins Ulster in Bloom Large Town award
Fri, September 30, 2022
Coleraine is celebrating success in this year’s Ulster in Bloom awards after it won the Large Town category.
In an event hosted at Hill of the O’Neill in Dungannon, the popular horticultural competition which shines a light on the fantastic work of green-fingered gardeners officially recognised the most beautiful plant and floral displays across local cities, towns and villages.
The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Ivor Wallace, who attended the results announcement, said:
“This is a fantastic achievement for Coleraine and I want to congratulate everyone who helped to make it possible.
“Our Parks staff take great pride in their work, with their florals beds, baskets and displays creating a positive environment for the enjoyment of our visitors, shoppers and the local community
“An increased use of wildflower areas has been especially well-received in recent times, and we know these play an important part in preserving our biodiversity. Having recently joined the all All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, recognition from the prestigious Ulster in Bloom competition is further welcome news for our Borough as we continue to showcase our commitment to enhancing the local environment.”
Translink Chairman Dr Michael Wardlow said:
“The annual Translink Ulster in Bloom competition is a wonderful demonstration of community spirit and highlights the fantastic work and dedication of volunteers who take exceptional pride in their local areas, big and small. Each worthy winner is a shining example of the true Ulster in Bloom ethos, which brings together knowledge, skill and most importantly enthusiasm, to create beautiful spaces and improve their local environment for everyone to enjoy. The awards also showcase the work and commitment of our Translink staff in stations and halts across Northern Ireland in bringing biodiversity, plants and flowers to these spaces. On behalf of Translink, I’d like to congratulate all our Ulster in Bloom winners and participants.”
The Translink Ulster in Bloom Competition is co-ordinated by the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA). Councillor Frances Burton, Vice President, NILGA, said:
“The participants and winners from the 2022 Translink Ulster in Bloom campaign have yet again shone a light on the amazing results which can be achieved through commitment, community engagement and hard work. These awards demonstrate the value which the 11 councils and our Ulster in Bloom community groups have given in encouraging us to care for our local spaces regardless of size or location. Their hard work and the hours spent planning, planting and pruning makes a massive positive impact on the wider environment by supporting biodiversity, conservation and sustainability which improves the quality of life for citizens in our cities, towns and villages.
“On behalf of NILGA, congratulations to everyone and thank you for your ongoing support and enthusiasm.”
The 2022 Award winners by category were:
Large Town / City - Derry City (Derry City & Strabane District Council)
Large Town / Small City - Coleraine (Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council)
Town - Donaghadee (Ards & North Down Borough Council)
Small Town - Randalstown (Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council)
Large Village - Cullybackey (Mid & East Antrim Borough Council)
Village - Donaghmore (Mid Ulster District Council)
Small Village - Ballynure (Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council).
Special Award winners for outstanding presentation were:
Larne Renovation Generation; Lorcan Doran from Saintfield Community Centre for the Youth Award
McConnells Bar, Doagh
Friels Bar and Restaurant, Swatragh.
Ken Powles Community Champion Award:
Margaret Murphy, from Cullybackey Community Partnership the winner of this award in recognition of the lasting and positive difference she has made to her local area by embracing the ‘Ulster in Bloom’ ethos.
The Best Station Title:
Whitehead Railway Station (Mid & East Antrim Borough Council).
