Gold for Maynooth!

Rev Dr Michael Shortall, Interim President St Patrick’s College, yesterday acknowledged the huge achievement of Maynooth in achieving Gold at the Entente Florale Europe event in Slovenia.

‘Warm congratulations to everyone involved in achieving the Gold Award in Entente Florale Europe.

This success reflects vision, dedication, and a remarkable spirit of cooperation between Maynooth Tidy Towns, Kildare County Council, St Patrick’s College, Maynooth University, local businesses, and the wider community. It’s a genuine team effort—and that team has brought home gold.

At St Patrick’s, we were delighted to play our part. We hosted the judges during their visit. One of their standout moments came as they entered our College Chapel to the sound of the organ. It’ a striking space, and its beauty can sometimes make us forget how much of nature is present within it: flowers and branches carved into wood and stone, birds and animals on its walls, singing to the glory of creation. It’s as if the whole of nature has been invited inside to join the praise.

Our campus is more than the setting for historic buildings. It is a living green space for the town—students stroll, families wander, birds nest, and, occasionally, a fox or two tries to join in.

I’d also like to offer heartfelt congratulations to Mr Stephen Seaman and his team on receiving the Special Characteristic Prize “for the excellent management of the Green Environment of the shared campus.” This is a tremendous recognition of their ongoing work and care. The shared campus is a vital part of the landscape of Maynooth, and their stewardship enriches the whole community.

May this gold medal inspire us all to keep tending the shared garden that is Maynooth.’

Pictured is Stephen Seaman and Rev Dr Shortall, Interim President SPPU with the award together with Dr Mike O’Malley and Michael Rafter of MU.