Laois Council and Abbeyleix bloom for Ireland in Canada

Abbeyleix Tidy Towns were the proud recipients of the five Blooms Silver Award at the 2025 Communities in Bloom International Symposium and Awards in Canada.

The former national Tidy Towns winning champion has also received an Outstanding Achievement Award for International Community Involvement and special recognition for Abbeyleix Community Garden in the international competition.

Communities in Bloom is a volunteer and partnership-driven charitable organisation that inspires all communities to enhance the quality of life and our environment through people and plants to create community pride.

Communities in Bloom judges visited Abbeyleix at the end of June and were amazed at the community spirit on show in the town, the work carried out, and projects planned. They stated that the value of volunteerism they had seen was “immeasurable”.

A representative group travelled to Canada for the prestigious finale of the annual event Stratford, Ontario held on Saturday, October 18. Abbeyleix, Laois and Ireland was represented by Cllr Barry Walsh, Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Michael Rainey, Chief Executive of Laois County Council and Robbie Quinn and Kathleen O’Connor from Abbeyleix Tidy Towns.

While in Canada, Mr Quinn presented to an international audience on both the town itself, the work of the group and the collaborations with Laois County Council.

Mr Quinn said he was pleased to be recognised internationally in a statement from Laois County Council to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

“It’s a tremendous honour to represent Abbeyleix and Laois on the international stage at this remarkable event. Winning this prestigious award is recognition of the dedication and hard work of our entire community. This honour belongs to all those in Abbeyleix who strive every day to make our town a beautiful and vibrant place to live. Thank you to everyone who played a part in bringing us to this proud achievement,” he said.

Michael Rainey, Chief Executive of Laois County Council, was delighted, given that the awards also represented an opportunity for Laois to be promoted internationally. 

“Congratulations to Abbeyleix on this outstanding achievement. We are immensely proud to support the tireless efforts of the Tidy Towns Group and the wider community, who continue to build a vibrant and welcoming place for residents. It’s fantastic to see Laois gaining international recognition as a wonderful place to live, work, and visit.”

They were also impressed with the focus that the group has on climate action, biodiversity and sustainability.

The judging criteria encompass the whole community and include:

• Community Appearance
• Environmental Action
• Heritage Conservation
• Tree Management
• Landscape
• Plant and Floral Displays

Following their evaluation, volunteer judges Alain Cappelle and Anthony O'Neill said:

“A vibrant and welcoming space, the Abbeyleix Community Garden showcases exceptional artistic flair in every corner. Beautifully landscaped and brimming with creativity, it celebrates the goodness of edible gardening in ways that inspire and delight. Artistic vignettes woven throughout the garden bring smiles to all who visit, while the evident joy and passion of its gardeners make this a truly uplifting community treasure,” he said.

The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht nominated the group as the 2025 entrant in the CIB International Challenge with a focus on the edible garden theme as a result of Abbeyleix winning the 2023 National Tidy Towns Competition. MORE BELOW PHOTO

Robbie Quinn, Abbeyleix Tidy Towns, Niamh Gorman, manager of Tidy Towns Unit and Helen Murray in Dept of Rural & Community Development, and Simon Walton, Laois County Council, during the Communities in Bloom judging.

Abbeyleix Tidy Towns participated in the International Challenge Small category along with Pugwash, Nova Scotia, Canada and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada.

READ ALSO: Laois Council shortlisted for excellence awards

ABOUT Communities in Bloom

\ommunities in Bloom (CiB) is a volunteer and partnership-driven charitable organisation that inspires all communities to enhance the quality of life and our environment through people and plants to create community pride.

This strategic alliance will help municipalities educate the public on the value of protecting our environment, while also showcasing their achievements and fostering civic pride throughout Canada and around the world.

The programme consists of communities receiving information and being evaluated either provincially or nationally by a volunteer jury of trained professionals on the accomplishments of their entire community (municipal, private, corporate and institutional sectors, citizens) on six key criteria: Community Appearance, Environmental Action, Heritage Conservation, Tree Management, Landscape and Plant & Floral Displays.

Growth in civic pride, positive sense of community, and tangible improvements generated by their efforts are immediately felt. Communities in Bloom is a community program where everyone wins. It is a citizen led, community economic development program, with a Return on Investment that is measurable, predictable and accountable. An invaluable information exchange network also allows communities to share accomplishments, best practices and projects.

All participants are showcased on www.communitiesinbloom.ca which highlights the communities, features in-depth articles and provides educational content. There are also promotional opportunities through special initiatives and events.