Irvinestown Fairs and Markets Trustees sponsored and organised ‘Irvinestown Best Kept Garden Awards' this year in conjunction with the Lady of the Lake Festival to recognise and celebrate residents in Irvinestown who take pride in their gardens and outside spaces.

Trevor Robinson, Pound Street, Irvinestown – a highly-experienced gardener – judged the event in early July.

He said that judging the gardens proved to be very difficult as the standard of beautifully tended gardens was very high.

The presentation of plants and features in local gardens was outstanding, and gardens were filled with colourful plants and shrubs giving an instant impact and kerb appeal, including beautiful hanging baskets, manicured lawns, water features, greenhouses and vegetable patches.

Gerry McNulty, Secretary of Irvinestown Fairs and Markets Trustees, announced the prize winners during the Fair Day at Castle Irvine estate.

On behalf of Irvinestown Fairs and Markets Trustees, he also congratulated everyone for their ongoing 'Blooming Success' and the Irvinestown Lady of the Lake Festival for arranging another successful Fair Day at Castle Irvine Estate.

This year’s Lady of the Lake, Holly Baird, presented the prizes to the winners, who included the following.

Small Garden Awards

1st – Mrs. Greta Rooney, No. 5, Castle Street;

2nd – Miss Linda McDonagh, No. 37, Forthill Park;

3rd – Mr. Mark Spratt, No. 15, Brownhill Meadows; and

4th – Mr. Tom Mollan, No. 12, Hillcrest Drive.

Medium/Large Garden Awards

1st – Rev. and Mrs. Thompson, No. 4, Ardlougher Road;

2nd – Mr. and Mrs. McArt, No. 44, Lack Road;

3rd – Mr. and Mrs. Seamus Doris, No. 32, Kesh Road; and

4th – Mr. and Mrs. Eric Ferguson, Church Street.

Business in Bloom Awards

1st – Mahon's Hotel, Mill Street;

2nd – Active Allsorts Afterschools Club, Market Yard, Mill St; and

3rd – Sissy McGinty's Bar, Main Street.

'Best Kept Development/Estate'

Best Kept Development/Estate in Irvinestown Award was won by Carn Hill Development, Lisnarick Road, Irvinestown.

Overall Winner of the Garden Competition

The 'Overall Winner' of the Best Kept Garden Award was Rev. and Mrs Thompson, of No. 4, Ardlougher Road.

Mrs. Thompson was delighted and honoured by the win, and said she loves to get out into her garden to enjoy the flowers and tend to her greenhouse filled with fruit and vegetables.

She added that she gets great pleasure from her garden as it is a great place to relax and unwind.

'Highly Commended' gardens (in no particular order)

Mr. and Mrs. Cassidy, No. 56, Sallyswood;

Mr. and Mrs. Gavin McCauley, Lisnarick Road;

Mrs. Rita Maguire, No. 20, Hillcrest Drive;

Mrs. Veronica McCarron, No. 10, Cherry Hill; and

Mr. Ryan McDonagh, No. 5, Millstone Drive.