Irvine Housing Association is delighted to announce that Mr Edward Malone of Barbieston Avenue, Drongan has won this year’s Drongan In Bloom Competition.

The competition was judged on Tuesday 26 July 2005 by Association Board Members, Councillor Thomas Farrell and Mrs Moira Miller, and Association Landscape Officer, Mr John Brennan.

Mr Malone said “I never expected to win, it was a pleasant surprise. I will use the prize money to buy a new lawn mower.”

Mr Rowan Makowski received 2nd prize this year and Mrs Jean Borthwick received 3rd prize. Best Hanging Basket or Container Category that was sponsored by Nurseries Direct Garden Centre was won by Mr Robert Wilson. Mr Morris from Nurseries Direct presented Mr Wilson with a £30 gift voucher that can be used in the Garden Centre.

The competition rules had been changed slightly this year. Unlike previous years where the entry to the competition has been automatic for all residents, this year the residents who wished to enter had to do so in writing. The standard of entries was extremely high and the judges had a very difficult decision.

Mr Malone is pictured in his winning garden receiving the Drongan In Bloom Farrell Shield and cheque for £50.00 from the competition judges and Mr Robert Morris from Nurseries Direct.