Praise for town ‘awash’ with flowers

Summer floral displays introduced at the Diamond and connecting streets in Monaghan Town attracted considerable praise at the July meeting of the Monaghan Municipal District.

The Cathaoirleach, Cllr Alan Johnston (FG) said the flowers really enhance the town and are most welcoming for visitors. He praised the work of apprentice horticulturalist Sinead Murphy, stating that she has made a fantastic contribution over the course of her contract, which is coming to an end.

Co-ordinator Martin Taylor said the MD is having discussions with Teagasc, which has a new horticulture apprenticeship course starting in September, with a view to recruiting a replacement apprentice.

Cllr Raymond Aughey (FF) said Sinead, local authority horticulturalist Michael Carroll and the MD outdoor staff deserve great praise for the displays, which have made the Diamond, Dublin Street, Glaslough Street, the Broad Road and parts of the Ulster Canal Greenway “awash with flowers, like something you would see in Dublin”.

Cllr Aughey proposed that congratulations be expressed to all involved on their excellent work and wished Ms Murphy well in her future career.

Cllr Pauric Clerkin (FG) also thanked the relevant staff and Monaghan Tidy Towns volunteers for their efforts right across the MD. “All our villages are looking top class at present,” he stated.

Cllr Seán Conlon particularly highlighted Ms Murphy’s contribution to the biodiversity and rewilding project implemented at the Elliott’s Farm site in Monaghan Town.