Over 500 new inhabitants for Brannoxtown

On Saturday 14th of May, over 500 new inhabitants took residence in Brannockstown, as part of a planned move that was welcomed by locals.

Up to 18 voluntary activists turned out from the village, some from as far away as Grangemore and Milemill, assisting the newcomers to get well established and to put down permanent roots in the area along the Kilcullen Road.

Although the new residents are well known by their foreign names, their visual attractiveness and diversity was quickly adopted and were given 21 new beds followed by a welcoming drink at the end of the day.

The “Village Planting Day” is just one part of the Brannoxtown Tidy Towns development plan to make the vicinity even more visually attractive to residents and visitors alike, and to improve on our previous annual successes in The Tidy Towns competitions.

It involved considerable soil preparation and planting of the 21 flowerbeds along Sallymount wall. Dennis Daly (Landscaping and Patios, 086 8300363) provided the advise and planting patterns, while the 18 local volunteers followed on from Dennis, by planting over 500 native species of shrubs and flowers, adding to the local biodiversity enhancement and providing for a visually appealing, colourful display of blossoms and greenery in this part of the village, not just for the Tidy Towns Competition and The Ryder Cup, but for the rest of the year also.

Although it took a considerable physical effort, the level of social enjoyment and civic pride was greatly increased and very rewarding. Even more successful “Village Planting Days” will follow soon as part of the Tidy Towns initiative, involving hanging baskets for example, so participation by everyone will welcome as usual.

For future “Village Planting Days” and Tidy Towns initiatives in Brannockstown, please watch this space!

Tom Horan.