Conservation with dash of funkiness leads to village pride

JUDGES' COMMENTS:JUDGES' COMMENTARY: Pride was the overwhelming emotion sensed by the judges when they visited Emly.

“Were it not for that pride, imagine the state of many of its buildings on the main street,” the judges’ report noted.

“Many of the buildings on Main Street could now be tatty and forlorn because their traditional enterprises are no more, but the coats of fresh paint ensure that the traditional village streetscape is preserved, enhanced and attractive,” they said.

A derelict building could have been a blemish in the area, instead it was “very well camouflaged and looked quite attractive”.

And a disused site that could have been an eyesore became an open air museum honouring the farming heritage of the village.

“Were it not for the care of the community, many stone buildings such as the creamery, Duhig House or the barracks could now be in decay . . . conservation and preservation of these buildings illustrates pride in Emly’s past.”

Main Street was full of interest, the report said, with striking co-ordinated colours that contributed to the character of the village and lamps that added a “modern funkiness”.

The area beside the church was marked out as the “highlight of many highlights”, while the Four Seasons garden created an “aesthetic and informative experience”.

The village was also commended for the work it undertook on a wildlife survey.

The absence of cables was a testament to the village’s engagement with the ESB and other agencies, the report said, and well-maintained footpaths also contributed.

The vast majority of residents had bought into the efforts to create a beautiful Emly and the landscaping fronting many of the houses brought colour and vibrancy to the surroundings.

The judges confessed to being weary from just reading the efforts the village had gone to clean up litter.

“As a next step in your fight against litter make reduction your key ambition,” the report advised.

The presentation of approach roads to Emly sent out a strong welcoming vibe to the traveller and gave the impression the town was well cared for. Traditional stone walls were attractively maintained, summer bedding in the village was good and the tree planting was “spectacular”.

The judges also admired the Emly encouragement of younger people and praised the inclusion of two school children on the committee.