Top Ulster in Bloom titles for Broughshane & Ahoghill

Translinks Jacinta Keelan celebrates the achievements of gardeners across Northern Ireland at the awards presentation for the Translink Ulster in Bloom 2013 Competition. A special winners ceremony took place in Carrickfergus winner of both the Large Town category and a Special Award for Biodiversity. The competition attracted 145 entries from local councils, businesses and community groups, recognising the very best in plant and floral displays in cities, towns and villages. Picture by Brian Morrison

Winners of the 2013 Competition were invited to a special ceremony in Carrickfergus where Broughshane won the ‘Large Village’ award and Ahoghill scooped the ‘Small Town’ title.

2013 marked the 35th year of the Translink Ulster in Bloom Competition which is co-ordinated by the Northern Ireland Local Government Association.

Category winners included: Derry City (City), Carrickfergus (Large Town), Banbridge (Town), Ahoghill (Small Town), Broughshane (Large Village), Glenarm (Village) and Scarva (Small Village).

This year’s competition attracted 145 entries representing local councils, businesses, community groups and bus/rail stations.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Angela Coffey, Translink Board Member, said the standard of competition entries was “outstanding”.

She said: “In 2013, Northern Ireland hosted many high-profile events that enjoyed international attention and provided a great opportunity to showcase our cities, towns and villages.

“The beautiful plant and floral displays created by Ulster in Bloom participants play an important role in ensuring these local areas remain attractive places both to live in and visit.

“The standard of competition entries was outstanding and we would like to congratulate the 2013 competition winners on their success and encourage all local councils to participate in the 2014 competition which we will officially launch in June,” said Angela.

Alderman Arnold Hatch, President, Northern Ireland Local Government Association, said: “It is always my pleasure and privilege to represent the Northern Ireland Local Government Association at the Translink Ulster in Bloom events and to convey our thanks and congratulations to the countless people, Councils, local ‘In – Bloom’ committees and sponsors, who have participated in, and contributed to, the 2013 Translink Ulster in Bloom Competition.

“As most of you are aware, NILGA represents, promotes, sustains and improves local government on behalf of its 26 member councils, it is therefore fitting that we fully support and endorse Ulster in Bloom across each individual council area.

“The competition gives us the drive and the opportunity to support our citizens in making our cities, towns and villages cleaner, tidier, and more enjoyable places in which to live.

“To the winners we say thank you, for leading by example, and congratulations for your achievements. We in the Local Government Association heartily encourage your on-going commitment,” said Alderman Hatch.