Irish florist Jenny Murphy has caned the competition at London’s prestigious Chelsea Flower Show by winning Florist of the Year on her first attempt.

Jenny (32), from Dunshaughlin Co Meath, was the first Irish competitor to qualify for the world renowned competition and the first to win the title.

She designed and built an arrangement called ‘Diamonds are Forever’ – a chandelier to be hung at Queen Elizabeth’s diamond jubilee dinner. Her creation in the royal colours red and purple, featured caila lilies and orchids. It won the gold medal for floristry as well as Jenny being crowned Florist of the Year.

“I am absolutely blown away,” she said. “To not only be the first Irish contender for the Florist of the Year competition, but to win it is such an incredible feeling.

“The Chelsea Flower Show is world-renowned and to have my name associated with it is something I will remember and cherish as long as I live. I’d like to thank my mum Moira for her ceaseless hard work and belief in me and encouraging me to go all the way.”

Jenny and her mother Moira have catered for celebrity Irish weddings including Michael and Niamh Flatley and Shane and Gillian Filan.

Moira Murphy (64) opened the Dunshaughlin shop over 30 years ago when her husband Tom lost his construction job.

She said: “Jenny was only three when my husband lost his job and I just knew I had to pick things up. I was a full time mother at the time, but worked all the hours God sent to become successful.

“As a child she used to watch me working but I never dreamt she would go this far, achieve so much – this is just such a dream for us.”