Cork schools sow the seeds of success

TWO CORK schools have been announced as winners of the overall best county and city school gardens at this year’s Muintir na Tíre Cork School Garden Competition.

Muinefliuch National School in Macroom and St Columba’s Girls National School in Douglas, who sowed the seeds to victory, were among 33 schools in Cork who entered the competition.

Co-sponsored by Cork County Council, the annual Cork School Garden Competition is open to all primary schools across the city and county who have a school garden or are in the process of developing one.

“I am extremely impressed with the work being done in the primary schools that entered the Cork School Garden Competition this year,” Mayor of the County of Cork Frank O’Flynn said.

“I want to congratulate all of the schools who entered, as well as the commitment and dedication of the principals, teachers, SNAs, parents, and others involved in helping develop the gardens. I hope next year’s competition will be even bigger.”

Lord Mayor of Cork Kieran McCarthy said he was also impressed by the entrants.

“I am delighted that schools are teaching children how to grow vegetables, fruit, and flowers, which is a skill they will never forget and is also an important climate action piece,” he added.

“The Muintir na Tíre Cork School Garden Competition continues to be immensely popular with schools all over the county. The standard is extremely high, with every year reaching new levels of creativity, ingenuity, and biodiversity,” chair of the Muintir na Tíre committee, Sean Holland said.

“This year, students used their knowledge and awareness to create functional, biodiverse spaces that help conserve local and native plant and animal species, as well as demonstrating their keen ability to upcycle items to bring their gardens to life.”

For more on the Muintir na Tíre Cork School Garden Competition, visit Muintir na Tíre at muintircork.com.