Cobh Festival of Flowers – Simply Spectacular

Photo: Colm McDonagh

The already magnificent St. Colman’s Cathedral was transformed into a kaleidoscope of colour and buzzed with positivity for the Festival of Flowers over the weekend of 20th – 21st September.

Organised by Cobh Flower and Horticulture Club, each of the fifty three exhibits created using flowers and countless more materials can only be described as spectacular.

Along with a host of Flower Clubs from all over Cork County and several other counties, floral artists came from as far west as Clonakilty, as far east as Wexford and as far north as Trim to display their creativity.

Exhibits captured the theme of the festival – History, Dreams & Memories to perfection and with great ingenuity. The stories of famous sons and daughters of Cobh, the industries that gave employment to thousands, the great shipping lines and the ships that called to Cobh, sea tragedies, festivals, events and daily life in a bygone era were all celebrated through floral artistry of a world class standard.

The scale of the event surprised most visitors; the beautifully written programme giving further meaning and historical context to each of the exhibits.

The proceeds of the Festival of Flowers will go towards the restoration of the magnificent Telford Organ that was installed in the Cathedral in 1905. The organ and its 2468 pipes urgently need work to ensure that it continues to function and can be enjoyed by generations to come.

Cobh Flower and Horticulture Club can be justifiably proud that the months of planning and preparation resulted in a superb event. The club was founded in 1975 and is one of ninety clubs throughout Ireland that are affiliated to AOIFA (Association of Irish Floral Artists). New members are always welcome at the monthly meetings held at 8 pm on the first Monday of each month in the Great Island Community Centre. Activities include floral art demonstrations, teaching demonstrations, talks on gardening and work nights. Outings and social events also form part of the programme.