Carrickmacross Summer flower Power
If you have been in the town of Carrickmacross in the last month, you will have noticed how well it is looking, and the amazing summer flower display. Three weeks ago the flower towers, or ‘beehives’ arrived into the town from the polytunnel, where the Tidy Towns crew had been bringing the flowers on and planting up the displays.
Ahead of the Tidy Towns judging on the 6th of August, you will have noticed that the volunteers are busy deadheading, weeding and watering as well as litter picking and cleaning, so here are a few names for the faces you will have seen volunteering throughout Carrickmacross.
Gerry Hand with some of his summer volunteers
Gerry Hand is one of the founder members of Carrickmacross Tidy Towns, and has been contributing his skills and energy to the town for 40 years. For the second year he has called on the Monaghan Volunteer Centre to help maintain the high standards set by Carrickmacross volunteers throughout the rest of the year in this especially busy few months when they need all the hands they can get! ‘We get a great contribution from the Monaghan Volunteer Centre Volunteers, the whole ethos of the Tidy Towns is volunteerism and social inclusion, and at this time of year we would be stuck without the extra hands,’ says Gerry.
David Carolan has been working on the beautification of the town for the last 18 months. ‘The extra volunteers are a great help,’ he says. ‘The displays are lovely and colourful, and I think there is a good chance we will get on well in the judging, but we’re under pressure now for the next few weeks!’
David Carolan bringing in the flowers to the town
Larysa Tyshchenko loves flowers and tries to cultivate flowers and herbs in her tiny garden in Carrickmacross. From Ukraine, Larysa has been in Ireland three years, and in Carrickmacross for two. She volunteered for last year’s summer project too. ’I like Carrickmacross very much, it’s a very good community, very good people, always wanting to help. I enjoy getting out and working with Tidy Towns, and I like to give some help back too.’
Larysa’s friend Maryna Tiukhtii left Odesa in Ukraine in the spring of 2023, forced to finally leave with only a small suitcase containing a fraction of her former life. In Carrickmacross, she was met with unexpected warmth and understanding from the residents, and offered help with documents and finding where the shops were, and the town’s tranquility became a comfort to her. She eventually found work, and began to feel part of things, and began volunteering to contribute to the town and connect with people. ‘I have loved flowers since childhood and really love working on the summer flowers in the town,’ she says. ‘Carrickmacross is no longer just a refuge for me, but a new home.’
Aigbe Sandra Liberty (centre) with other volunteers in Carrickmacross
Aigbe Sandra Liberty came to Carrickmacross from Nigeria in May 20
24. ‘I like everything about Carrickmacross,’ she says. I like the local people, especially those in my Church, the Woodland Baptist Church, it’s very social and feels like a family. We share our problems and our joys! I like working with Tidy Towns, I’m happy to be busy, to be in the town, doing something to contribute.’
Firas Mousa performing the final touches to a Carrickmacross Triskelion
Firas Mousa left Syria nine months ago and is happy to be here. He is working two days a week but would love to be working full-time Until he finds full-time work, he is to be found volunteering for everything. He’s a popular man with Tidy Towns as his trade in Syria was contract painting on building sites. You will have seen him painting all the carved stones about the town over the last few months. He is learning English as fast as he can and would love to go to college to study electronics. ‘ ‘I like to fix things,’ he says.
Adijat Omobukolo Arolwolo planting up the displays
Adijat Omobukolo Arolwolo has only been three months in Carrickmacross. ‘I like the peace of mind from being here,’ she says. ‘Tidy Towns is good for me because I’m mingling with people, talking to people and helping out too.’
Nomvuyo Lukhele has been just four months in Carrickmacross. ‘I love Carrickmacross,’ she says. ‘The unity of the people, the culture, the peace and quiet.’ Nomvuyo completed her medical studies in Swaziland and is hoping to qualify to work in Carrickmacross. ‘I want to specialize in family medicine and pediatrics,’ she says. ‘I love working with Tidy Towns, the group is so well organized and friendly. Working together for the town brings people together.
