28th February 2023
Sponsored by Cork City and Cork County Councils and organised by Cork County Muintir na Tíre, the competition has a PRIZE FUND of over €5,000.
The Annual Cork School Garden Competition is open to all primary schools in Cork city and county who have a school garden or are in the process of developing one.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Sean Holland of Muintir na Tire said: “If a School has a School Garden or they are thinking about developing one, then the Cork School Garden Competition might be the competition for them. There were so many categories and awards and the competition is open to new or existing gardens, big and small.” (Full list of Categories below) Mr Holland thanked Cork City and Cork County Councils for their ongoing sponsorship. He also thanked Mr Mark Wolfe and Mr Ger Crowley of Atkins Garden World for all their support.
The Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr. Damian Boylan commented “Cork City Council is proud to join with Muintir na Tire, Cork County Council, and Atkins Garden World in this great initiative and I encourage all primary schools in the City to enter it. Participation in the competition allows children to develop a love for gardening and their environment and allows an opportunity to learn from the other schools. He added that Cork City Council is very proud to be supporting this competition.”
The Mayor of County Cork Cllr. Danny Collins welcomed the launch of the annual schools competition, saying that: “Activities that that can help children to learn the importance of nature while staying active are crucial for health and wellbeing. Since its establishment in 2012, the Muintir na Tire School Garden Competition has inspired thousands of students across Cork County to embrace the outdoors and Cork County Council is very proud to have supported the competition each year I urge all schools around the county to consider signing up this year, whether a new entrant or a long-established participant, we want to see students from every town and village involved.”
Special guests included Shireen Rountree (Principal), Eliza Canty, Nathan Canty, and Jonah Canty, representing Ballymoney National School, Ballineen. They were overall County winners in 2022. Eamonn Ó Ceallaigh (teacher), June Leahy (Parent), Finn Ó Baolghill, and John Ó Broin, representing Gaelscoil na Duglaise, were the overall City winners in 2022.
Cork City Council were represented by Mary Walsh and Loraine Leahy from the Community, Culture & Placemaking Directorate.
Cork County Council were represented by Louis Duffy Director of Environment and Emergency Services. Heritage Officer Conor Nelligan, Katherine Corkery and Michelle Green Environment Directorate.
Cork County Federation Muintir na Tire were represented by Mr Sean Holland, Finbarr Motherway, Pauline O Dwyer, Yvonne Cahalane, Nuala Lynch and Denis Kelly. Atkins Garden World were represented by Manager Ger Crowley.
Full competition details also available from Cork County Federation Muintir na Tíre 8 Sidney Place, Wellington Road, Cork City telephone 0214500688
Closing date for Competition Entry: Good Friday 7th April 2023
To enter online go to muintircork.com and follow links or email admin@muintircork.com for more information.
