Making Better Happen: Cross Community Group named finalist

A community project in Cross, Co. Cavan, has been recognised as one of four provincial finalists in the An Post Making Better Happen Awards. The awards celebrate local community and environmental groups across Ireland that are making a positive difference through projects focused on biodiversity, reducing waste and supporting the circular economy.

"Flowers brighten the community, but it's the people that make it special." This is the start of the video Cross Community Group submitted to the awards to describe the transformation of an overgrown green space into a colourful community garden, a project that has also brought neighbours together.

Around 30 volunteers are part of the group, with members helping whenever they are available. Highlighting the beauty of shared tasks, Bróna Keating Smith described how "different people will come for different elements. The weeding tends to attract some of the men and then planting some of the women will come down and take care of that. But there's a nice mix."

Another local John Kelly said the project has created new connections within the community: "People who have been living in the area for quite some time have met neighbours they might never have known before," he said. "It's really nice. It's brought people together." Not only for gardening, but for socialising.