Abbeyleix Tidy Towns is proud to announce the joint winners of this year’s Pollinator Lawn Art Competition: Scoil Mhuire and the Keegan Family.

The competition, held as part of Abbeyleix’s ongoing biodiversity initiatives, invited individuals, families, schools, and community groups to transform green spaces into creative celebrations of pollinators – the bees, butterflies, and insects that are vital to our environment.

• Scoil Mhuire captured the judges’ admiration by linking art, heritage, and sustainability. Their creation celebrated Abbeyleix’s 250th birthday while also featuring a water droplet design to mark their recent Green Schools Water Award – a thoughtful blend of local pride and environmental awareness.

• The Keegan Family highlighted the joy of the outdoors and the importance of connecting with nature. Their lawn art celebrated outdoor activities, reminding us of the role families and communities play in protecting our natural spaces.

While Scoil Mhuire and the Keegan Family were chosen as joint winners, the judges also praised a wide range of outstanding contributions across Abbeyleix and its surrounds, including:

• Fr Paddy – a heartfelt tribute to Pope Francis in the Parochial House garden

• Mary – a vibrant Wildflower Heart on Main Street

• Kathleen – a wonderfully creative snail-themed display in Vesey Close

• Canon Harvey – a thoughtful nod to the Communities in Bloom competition with a pollinator-friendly meadow at St Michael & All Angels

• Hannah – another beautiful Wildflower Heart in Tullyroe

• Kieran – went all out with an 'epic' Celtic Cross design in Tullyroe

Speaking about the initiative, Robbie Quinn (Chairman of Tidy Towns)  said:

“The Pollinator Lawn Art competition is about more than creativity – it’s about raising awareness of biodiversity, pollinators, and our responsibility to protect them. We are delighted to celebrate Scoil Mhuire and the Keegan Family as this year’s winners, and we are equally inspired by the contributions from right across the community. Together, these efforts show the creativity, pride, and environmental spirit that make Abbeyleix so special.”

Abbeyleix Tidy Towns extends sincere thanks to everyone who took part and looks forward to building on this momentum in the year ahead