Carlow Floral Pride
- Pride of Place
2005
Pride of Place
Floral Pride
Name of group/association: Ballon
Population size or category: 1000-2000
| Judging criteria |
Possible marks |
Marks received |
| Overall
presentation and condition of flower beds and shrubs, green areas
and verges such as absence of weeds and finish to beds, borders
and grassed areas |
15 |
11 |
| Use of permanent planting |
10 |
8 |
| Variety of planting
including shrubs, trees,window boxes & hanging baskets |
15 |
13 |
| Colour and interest
for different times ofear year |
15 |
11 |
| Condition of paths,
fences and walls |
10 |
8 |
| Entrance to town/village/housing
estate |
20 |
16 |
| Landscaping and/or planting
scheme appropriate to street/estate/village/town |
15 |
12 |
| Total |
100 |
79 |
Strengths: School, Maple Lawn Housing estate,
area by the pub and the approach road from Carlow. Absence of litter.
Weakness: Flower and shrub beds need to
be looked after - weedy. The approach road from Wexford: the planting
along the fence is not being looked after; furthermore it is inappropriate
for this area as it is out of character for a rural village.
Bed by garage near the Wexford end of village dirty and littered.
General comments: the grass verges that
have been maintained with wildlife in mind are doing fine. The fence
on the approach road from Wexford - would be much improved by planting
a hedge, but species more suited to the character of the area should
be planted. A hedgerow of native species such as hawthorn, Guelder rose
spindle, holly etc would not only blend in well but also be tough and
strong and be great for wildlife.
On the 18th
October CCC hosted an awards presentation in Ballykealey Manor and Ballon
Improvement Group came second in the population category 1000 to 2000
receiving a cheque for €500.
Congratulations to the committee and the people of Ballon who made this
possible.
Congratulations, too, to John McDarby who
hosted the evening; and the the council for their initiative and support
for encouraging the county to to this high level of participation.
Paul Cummins - Mary
Jordan - Chrissie McGagh - David Brennan - Michael Martin
See
also Ballon National School
2004
On the 11th October CCC hosted a presentation in the
Pride of Place Competition.
and in the Floral Pride Section Ballon was awarded second prize in the
population category of 500 to 1000.
Congratulations to all who supported this year's effort. And, in particular,
the council who initiated and continued with these awards. There were
about 400 guest for the ceremony with tea on arrival and finger food
on completion. The MOC was Bernard Duff who kept the evening running
at a good pace and with good humour.
Secretary Chrissie McGagh & Chairman
Michael Martin hold the cheque for €500
Tour
Ballon in Bloom
2003
On the 14/10/2003 CCC hosted
a presentation evening and several committee members turned up to see
how Ballon had faired this year. There was great expectations as many
changes had been made in the village. Alas, we received no placing but
it was a great night with a good atmosphere and a generous spread laid
on by the council. Well done to all.
Prizes were presented by the football legend from
Kerry, Mick O'Dwyer, now training Laois. And here he is with Secretary
Chrissie McGagh, Tom McGagh of fame for supporting Galway, and Dinny
McGrath who watered the Bridges in Bloom so consistently throughout
the summer.
2002
In addition to the Tidy
Towns Competition Carlow hosts the Floral Pride Competition. This year
the village entered for the first time and was awarded a Third Prize
in the category 200 to 400 houses. At an award ceremony on the 4th November
2002 the chairman received a certificate and a cheque for €350.
It must be said that the council offers every encouragement to participants
in the form of part funding and sometimes direct assistance.
The next picture shows Chairman
Michael Martin together with BIG's youngest member Seán Whelan
and Niamh Mullins who with her mum, teacher Bernie Mullins, got a "highly
recommended" for their school
project.
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