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Jenny Murphy of Flowers by Moira in Dunshaughlin, Co Meath was joint runner-up in the prestigious Interflora Florist of the Year 2011 competition, representing Ireland in the grand final held on Saturday July 23rd at the RHS Tatton Park Flower Show in Cheshire.
Each and every finalist has shown real dedication, and should be very proud of their achievements.
- Nick Priest, Interflora’s Florist Segment Director
Jenny fended off tough opposition from ten other florists from across the UK, impressing the judges with her originality and innovation, and was placed in all four designs. She was second in the surprise item and came third in the Japanese free expression piece, the cottage garden hat creation, and the bridal design.
Commenting on her achievement, Jenny said: “This has been an amazing experience for me. I’ve loved all the build-up and have been planning for the final for weeks! It’s been well worth every minute, and I’m chuffed to bits to have come second.”
Judge Susan Wills-Pope commented: “This is such a highly regarded competition. All the competitors showed excellent workmanship, exceptional use of colour, styling and creativity.”
For the first time since 2004, the Interflora Florist of the Year competition grand finals took place in front of a live audience at the RHS Tatton Park Flower Show in Knutsford, Cheshire. Visitors were able to watch the finalists go up against the clock to construct their items.
Nick Priest, Interflora’s Florist Segment Director, who presented the prizes to the competitors, said: “This competition was established fifty years ago, and the ethos is the same today as it was then -- to demonstrate the expertise amongst our Interflora florists. Each and every finalist has shown real dedication, and should be very proud of their achievements.”