Limerick residents win first place at art and gardening awards
Gardeners and artists were ‘brought together by shared talents and interests’
LIMERICK gardeners and artists were leading winners at Co-operative Housing Ireland's 2026 Art and Gardening Competitions Awards Ceremony.
Ewelina Grudnicka from Baunaclocka Heights, Mungret won ‘Best Use of Small Space’ for a front patio described as “a garden of pastels and peace.” On top of her win, Ewelina also placed second in the Best Hanging Basket or Container category.
Fellow Baunaclocka Heights residents Melissa and Declan Fitzgerald won Best Flower Garden with the space they call 'our little slice of heaven'. Its plants included a holly tree from Melissa's grandmother in Monaghan and an apple tree from Declan's grandmother's orchard.
Limerick residents didn’t stop at gardening however, as Katie Quinlivan from Amharc Muileann, Bloodmill Road, took home first place in the Under 18s category of the Art Competition with her outdoor painting of 'Coraline'.
She created this painting to fit this year’s theme of “Home is...”.
The National Gardening Competition returned for its second year, attracting 37 entries across its categories from nine counties.
A joint awards ceremony held in Portlaoise on Saturday, August 22, brought member tenants and their families together to celebrate their achievements, exchange ideas and inspire one another.
Co-operative Housing Ireland community engagement specialist Aoife Kirk noted on the day: “Competitions are about much more than selecting winners. They give people the opportunity to develop their skills, share ideas, take pride in their achievements and connect through common interests.
“Art and gardening may seem like very different pursuits, but both are expressions of creativity, care, patience and passion. They can transform spaces, tell stories, inspire others and add to the beauty of our homes and communities.”
She concluded: “Building strong communities, both where we live and among people brought together by shared talents and interests, is at the heart of our Community Engagement work. This ceremony celebrates individual achievements while creating new connections between people who can support and inspire one another.”