Kildare town awarded Entente Florale gold medal
Maynooth University Chief Operations Officer Dr Mike O'Malley, Chair of Maynooth Tidy Towns Committee Breedge Conway, Kildare Councillor Brendan Wyse and Rev Dr Michael Shortall, President of St Patrick's Pontifical University at the gold medal homecoming event
CO KILDASRE can lay claim to this year’s Entente Florale Europe, a competition that celebrates excellence in horticulture, sustainability and quality of life in towns and cities across Europe.
Maynooth town to win a gold medal while Maynooth University received the Special Characteristic Prize “for the excellent management of the green environment of Maynooth University campus”.
At an awards ceremony in Velenje, Slovenia on Saturday, Maynooth town also received the Entente Florale Europe President’s prize for climate change mitigation, which recognises innovative solutions and adaptation measures to reduce carbon entering the atmosphere and the temperature effect on people living in urban areas.
Maynooth’s Entente Florale entry was the result of a long-standing community-wide effort, led by Maynooth Tidy Towns and Kildare County Council, with support from Maynooth University, St Patrick’s Pontifical University, local schools, community groups and businesses.
The awards were celebrated at a special homecoming event in Maynooth University on Wednesday, attended by the many groups involved.
the Entente Florale jury described it as “a vibrant University town” which blends historical charm with extensive modern amenities and a renowned educational heritage.
“During their visit to Maynooth, the jury was impressed with the excellent co-operation between the Maynooth Tidy Towns Committee, the University and local agencies and the excellent environmental management of the Maynooth University campus and the innovative retrofit DemoHouse.”
Welcoming the awards for both the town and the University, Maynooth University President Professor Eeva Leinonen said: “We are honoured that Maynooth Town has been awarded a gold medal in the prestigious Entente Florale Europe competition. The judges’ visit in July gave us the opportunity to showcase not only our award-winning campus and green spaces, but also the strong spirit of collaboration across our community.
“This achievement reflects the dedication of Maynooth Tidy Towns, Kildare County Council, St Patrick’s Pontifical University, local schools, businesses, community groups, and our staff and students. We are particularly proud that Maynooth University received a special recognition for the excellent management of our green environment, which is a fitting recognition of the tireless work of our staff in maintaining and enhancing our campus grounds.” Planning for the Entente Florale competition has been underway since February, with individuals and organisations working together to highlight what makes Maynooth a welcoming and environmentally responsible town.
In July, a team of international judges from Czechia, Germany and Hungary visited Maynooth to assess its entry which was evaluated across 10 criteria, including planning and development, the built environment, landscape, green spaces and planting.
Welcoming the gold medal, Stephen Seaman, Grounds Supervisor of the Maynooth Campus, said: “Maynooth University is thrilled to welcome this gold medal from Entente Floral Europe, a true testament to what we can achieve when we all work together. Maynooth’s success in the Entente Florale Europe 2025 is a proud reflection of a vibrant University town where community spirit, education and heritage thrive side by side.”
