Trim pride after town is crowned Communities in Bloom winners in Canada

Trim has been crowned international winners at the 30th Communities in Bloom Awards held in Charlottetown, Canada.

The celebratory event showcased the dedication and commitment of hundreds of municipal staff and volunteers from across Canada, United States, Britain, Belgium, Hungary, Italy and Ireland.

Trim received a rating of Five Blooms - Gold and a special mention for Plants and Floral Displays.

A delegation from Ireland, including Meath County Council Chief Executive, Kieran Kehoe, Cllr Joe Fox and Trim Tidy Town volunteers Pat and Ann Whelan from St Patrick's Park travelled to Canada for the Communities in Bloom Symposium and Awards where they enjoyed a programme of educational presentations, technical visits, and activities.

The first award came on Friday evening at the Community Showcase where Trim was announced as winners for an outstanding achievement award for community involvement. On Saturday evening, the hard work and dedication of the volunteers and staff in Trim was recognised internationally when Trim was announced overall winners at the 2024 Community in Blooms Awards Ceremony.

On receiving the award, Chief Executive Kieran Kehoe said: "Communities in Bloom is an outstanding testament to the power of collaboration and community engagement. Meath County Council together with Trim Tidy Towns and the residents and businesses in Trim have worked towards a shared vision of a vibrant and sustainable community. This award encapsulates the essence of our partnership and the remarkable contributions of staff, volunteers and all involved in the Trim community".

Judges Susan Ellis and Bob Ivison visited Trim in July. The judging tour focused on sustainability, green space enhancement and heritage conservation initiatives. Community groups, clubs and businesses also gathered in Trim GAA Centre where the judges had the opportunity to witness the passion, energy and tireless efforts by all involved that cultivate the thriving community of Trim.

Following their evaluation, Susan and Bob wrote: "The vivid, colourful use of plants and floral displays throughout the town of Trim is beautifully done and creates a warm welcome for residents and visitors alike. From a whimsical use of baskets and bicycles to mass carpet plantings, the overall effect is charming and uplifting. Well done!"

Trim Tidy Towns Chairman Brian Heffernan was delighted with the result. He said they thought they would do well and were confident in the town's appearance after many years of great work by Meath County Council, and the great pride shown, by both the traders and residents, in the appearance of their properties and the voluntary effort by the Tidy Towns volunteers but when he saw the great turnout for the community group showcase to meet the judges in Trim GAA, he knew they would do well. He thanked all those who attended and said they had a major part in Trim's win.

"We also had many fantastic community speakers at different parts of the tour of the town with the judges – Clr Ronan Moore, Scurlogstown Olympiad, Terry Cassidy of Birdwatch Ireland, Rosaleen Moynihan of Trim Tourist Office, Paddy Rispin of Trim Living History, Mick Hughes of Trim Tourism Network and Meath Chamber, Fr Paul Crosbie and with church volunteers, Trim Floral Art Group, The Gallops Residence Association, Noel Dempsey and Trim GAA, St Patricks Park Residence Association, Prosper Meath, James Murray and Boyne Valley Activities, The Church Of Ireland, St Mary’s Primary School, Scoil Mhuire, The Boyne CS, Blackfriary Archaeology School. Cllr Joe Fox said it was a great honour to be in Charlottestown, Canada to represent the town and said it was a "great achievement by Trim Tidy Towns, Meath County Council and the people and businesses of Trim, a massive well done to all."

Local councillor Ronan Moore, who is vice chair of Trim Tidy Towns said: "In understanding what was key to our success, it is important to look beyond the beautiful heritage and history of the town.

“This is the depth of work that takes place across the town from a whole myriad of volunteer sporting bodies to community groups.

“All this is allied with the support of Meath County Council, who really took on a lead role in the CiB competition through local Area Engineer, Donna Pringle and her team of outdoor staff."