In Pictures: Marriage of nature of art rewarded in Laois by Abbeyleix Tidy Towns

Abbeyleix Tidy Towns is proud to announce the joint winners of this year’s Pollinator Lawn Art Competition: Scoil Mhuire and the Keegan Family. Tap next or arrow to see more pictures from the competition. See below this first collage photo of entries to read more.

The competition, funded by Community Foundation Ireland through its Biodiversity Fund and shaped with guidance from Úna and the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan Team, was part of Abbeyleix’s ongoing biodiversity initiatives.

It invited individuals, families, schools, and community groups to transform green spaces into creative celebrations of pollinators – the bees, butterflies, and insects that are vital to our environment.

Scoil Mhuire captured the judges’ admiration by linking art, heritage, and sustainability. Their creation celebrated Abbeyleix’s 250th birthday while also featuring a water droplet design to mark their recent Green Schools Water Award – a thoughtful blend of local pride and environmental awareness.

The Keegan Family highlighted the joy of the outdoors and the importance of connecting with nature. Their lawn art celebrated outdoor activities, reminding us of the role families and communities play in protecting our natural spaces.

While Scoil Mhuire and the Keegan Family were chosen as joint winners, the judges also praised a wide range of outstanding contributions across Abbeyleix and its surrounds, including:

• Fr Paddy – a heartfelt tribute to Pope Francis in the Parochial House garden
• Mary – a vibrant Wildflower Heart on Main Street
• Kathleen – a wonderfully creative snail-themed display in Vesey Close
• Canon Harvey – a thoughtful nod to the Communities in Bloom competition with a pollinator-friendly meadow at St Michael & All Angels
• Hannah – another beautiful Wildflower Heart in Tullyroe
• Kieran – went all out with an 'epic' Celtic Cross design in Tullyroe

Robbie Quinn, Chairman of Tidy Towns, spoke about the initiative.

“The Pollinator Lawn Art competition is about more than creativity – it’s about raising awareness of biodiversity, pollinators, and our responsibility to protect them.

"With the valued support of Community Foundation Ireland’s Biodiversity Fund, and the guidance of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan Team, we are delighted to celebrate Scoil Mhuire and the Keegan Family as this year’s winners, and we are equally inspired by the contributions from right across the community. Together, these efforts show the creativity, pride, and environmental spirit that make Abbeyleix so special,” he said.

Abbeyleix Tidy Towns extended sincere thanks to everyone who took part and looks forward to building on this momentum in the year ahead.