Meet the judges of GLAS 2026

Ciaran Burke (Johnstown Garden Centre), Paul McGill (Tirlán), and Patrick Gleeson

This year contestants were judged, announced and presented at the show by Ciaran Burke (Johnstown Garden Centre), Paul McGill (Tirlán), and Patrick Gleeson

Horticulture

26 August 2026

This year’s edition of the Garden Landscape and Amenity Sportsturf (GLAS) trade show saw again the coming together of a strong, dedicated horticulture sector in Ireland.

The one-day event returned with exhibits, displays and demos from more than 100 of the industry’s leading suppliers on the 16th July at the National Basketball Arena in Dublin.

The New Plant New Product Awards including Best in Show Trade Supplier, Best in Show Horticulture and Supplier of the Year are a highlight of the GLAS trade show.

These awards recognise the best new plant and new product launched in the Irish market over the last 12 months by the organisations exhibiting at the event.

This year contestants were judged, announced and presented at the show by Ciaran Burke (Johnstown Garden Centre), Paul McGill (Tirlán), and Patrick Gleeson.

Growtrade.ie spoke with them about their experiences as judges, the significance of the awards, the challenges involved in making decisions, and much more. Continue reading to discover their insights.

Did you enjoy being a judge?

Ciaran Burke:

“Yes, it is interesting to look at the new plants and products and evaluate them, both from my own perspective as a retail horticulturist, but also thinking about how different plants and products can be of benefit to other sectors of the horticultural industry such as landscape and growers.”

Patrick Gleeson:

“I always enjoyed being a judge at the GLAS show, particularly for many years with Gerry Daly. His horticultural knowledge was exceptional and judging with him was always a very pleasant experience.”

Paul McGill:

“Yes, I enjoyed being a judge because I got to see and give credit for innovation in the Irish horticultural industry.”

Are these awards important to the industry?

Ciaran Burke:

“I believe they are, it creates awareness of new plants and products and highlights innovation. This year’s winners are a good example, Tully’s new hebe – Hebe ‘Rhubarb Crumble’ had a spot on national radio and they highlight the award in their marketing, I have seen this with past winners of the Best Plant too. The Best Product winner this year was something unique to the landscape market, the award highlights the innovation taking place in the landscape sector.”

Patrick Gleeson:

“These awards are very important for the industry, particularly the plant awards that I am more familiar with. Winning plants will always attract interest within the trade and in many cases for the individual businesses result in significant growth, as well as increasing the profile of the company.”

Paul McGill:

“I think these awards are important to the industry, because it gives recognition of class leading products and bragging rights for the winners.”

Was it difficult to make a decision?

Ciaran Burke:

“The decision making is made easier by having a judging criteria, but it is important to assess each entry from all perspectives, sometimes this can be a challenge when comparing a piece of a machinery that is important to the landscape sector with a new retail product for garden centres.”

Patrick Gleeson:

“It is nearly always difficult to get 3 judges agreeing on one product. This year all three were in total agreement.”

Paul McGill:

“It wasn’t a difficult decision given the criteria we voted on. The winners were above all.”

Which was your favourite winner and why?

Ciaran Burke:

“My favourite was the Hebe ‘Rhubarb Crumble’ as I can see that it is a plant that has a big future in the plant retail sector, it has star quality and ticks lots of boxes when assessing a plant for year-round garden centre sales.”

Patrick Gleeson:

“My favourite winner this year was Tully Nurseries new plant introduction ‘Rhubarb Crumble’. It was chosen because of its magnificent foliage colour, as well as its attractive flowers. Being a low grower and a very compact plant it is ideal for group planting in mixed borders of the smaller gardens in most new housing estates today. It would also make an excellent container plant.”

Paul McGill:

“My favourite winner was Tully Nurseries Hebe Rhubarb Crumble, because of it’s year-round interest and it is selling very well in stores.”

How has being a judge changed your attitude towards GLAS?

Ciaran Burke:

“Being a judge has widened my appreciation for the whole show. Going as a garden centre buyer your focus is plants or products that you think can sell and improve your sales, while being a judge makes you look at a wider range of products and think about other sectors. Seeing the hard work that goes into organising the show, experiencing meeting many enthusiastic and hard working growers and suppliers. I really appreciate the importance of GLAS to the industry, a chance to see the range of products, meet existing suppliers, and meet potential new suppliers. It is a hugely beneficial annual event.”

Patrick Gleeson:

“Being a judge has always focused my mind on a young nursery industry that today is worth in excess of €500m and an amenity industry worth €72m and employing over 6000 people. Being a judge makes you realize the value of this industry and every year at GLAS show you appreciate more and more the skills and knowledge of all involved in this horticultural industry.”

Paul McGill:

“Being a judge has changed my attitude towards GLAS by wanting to follow innovations and events in the Irish horticultural industry.”

Big thanks to our great judges for their amazing work. And once again, big congratulations to the award-winners at GLAS 2026!