Glin Homes for the Elderly was named the overall winner of the 2011 Limerick in Bloom competition at a ceremony held in the Council Chamber on Wednesday 26th October.

Forty six communities from across County Limerick took part in the fourth annual competition, which is a motivational mech-anism for the many small, locally based groups throughout the county to enhance the visual impact of their settlements by means of flower, tree and shrub planting.

Organised by Limerick County Council in conjunction with Shannon Development, Limerick In Bloom adjudication takes place during July and considers such factors as colour, size, variety, location and appropriate-ness of the various planting schemes along with the management of litter.

Competition categories are based on population size with a first, second and third prize in each category of €1,100, €550 and €300 respectively. Category 1 caters for towns and villages with a population in excess of 700. Category 2 is for population centres of between 300 and 700 people. Category 3 features villages with a population less than 300 and Category 4 caters for housing estates and community areas.

The 2011 overall winner of Limerick In Bloom and the winner of Category 4 was Glin Homes for the Elderly.

Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council Cllr. Mary Harty presented the winner with a €1,600 voucher, a certificate and the Limerick In Bloom trophy. She congratulated the group for their work in enhancing the overall appearance of the estate, and acknow-ledged the excellent community involvement in the Community Day Care Centre.

Adare Tidy Towns was named overall winner of Category 3. The runners-up in Category 3 were Patrickswell Tidy Towns (2nd) and Castleconnell Tidy Towns (3rd).

Broadford Development was named in third place in Category 2 while Strand Community Development finished runners up in Category 1.