Category: Nature & Agriculture

The Mountain 

The Mountain 
The mountain braces the horizon with a stoic impression that stirs my imagination and senses. How could I be so far away yet have such a felt sense of presence and belonging?  The undulation of its form has been a constant due north of my internal compass, firmly imprinted on my mind and the bedrock of many stories that moulded my paternal lineage.
Its craggy terrains and sweeping valleys play host to formidable sheep confronting my presence should I interrupt their ramblings.  Golden amber hues married with bursts of vibrant heather brace the cold ground whilst streams of mountain water forge their impression on the course landscape a bold yet subtle nod to life.
An isolated farm stimulating the query of man’s ability to live in a seemingly harsh environment, and how many ancestors had walked this stoney ground before? My quiet contemplation is enveloped with bellowing mountain air sweeping and coursing my body and mind, taking with it the need for thought.  Looking out over Mushera’s vast expanse I listen for the sounds of my people and their distant musings, when a quiet voice stirs inside me and whispers, ‘I am home’.
My father and his family are natives of Aubane and I was inspired by my connection to the land and my summers there as a child.

Fineoaks Alpacas

ALPACA EXPERIENCES IN BEAUTIFUL NORTH CORK

Fineoaks Alpacas offers a variety of experiences involving our beautiful, friendly and charismatic alpacas, including, but not limited to:

Well Being Visits:
For those of us experiencing stress or anxiety in our daily lives, or just looking for some peace and tranquility, why not come out into the countryside and escape into nature with a well-being visit to our farm? Get away from every day life and spend some time surrounded by beautiful scenery and an array of inquisitive, calming animals.

School Visits:
We welcome school groups to come and visit and learn about our alpacas. You will have the opportunity to get up close to them and to feed them with their favourite, specialist alpaca feed. The visit includes an information session, an opportunity to meet and feed the alpacas and then, the ever-popular quiz. School children will go home with a small memento from the day and some alpaca related information.

Alpaca your Picnic:
The chance to sit back, relax, bring your own picnic and enjoy being out in the field with some lovely friendly alpacas for company.
** Picnics are only available during the summer months, running from early May.

Alpacas at Events:
Whether you are hosting a Communion party, a Birthday party, an Engagement, a Wedding, or anything else you can think of, alpacas are the ideal, original guests to have along. Each event is catered for slightly differently, depending upon the event.

Photo shoots:
If you are thinking about creating some lasting memories, or planning a family photoshoot, why not have some alpacas along, or come to us for that? We want to be able to share the special, unique and wonderful experience we have with our alpacas on a day-to-day basis and help others create unique and lasting memories too.
For more information and pricing on any of the above experiences, please get in touch.
Please note that all experiences are priced differently and must be booked and paid for in advance.

Kathleen (Kath) White
Phone: 087 3562598
E-mail: <email>
Facebook: Fineoaksalpacas
Instagram: Fineoaks_alpacas

Boherbue Girl Guides will hold a Fundraising Walk

Boherbue Girl Guides will hold a fundraising walk around the ring in Boherbue on Sunday March 12th.

Registration will take place at 11.45am (after 11 o’clock mass) and the walk will commence at 12.30.

Cost is €5 per person and €10 per family.

All are welcome and all support is greatly appreciated.

National Fossil Art Contest – “Irish Fossils ALIVE”.

My name is Will Richardson and I am part of Ireland’s Fossil Heritage team, based at University College Cork.

I am messaging this community page as we have officially launched this year’s National Fossil Art Contest and I’m excited to share info about it with you. Last year’s contest was hugely popular and we hope to have lots of exciting entries again this year. The theme of the contest is “Irish Fossils ALIVE”.

We are inviting young artists to create a unique art piece inspired by the rich fossil heritage on the island of Ireland and have prepared a list of some of the most famous Irish fossils on our website for inspiration. Entrants do not need any prior knowledge of fossils to enter, they can simply review our website for inspiration and let their imaginations run wild!

Prizes will be awarded in four age categories:

under 8 years,
9 –12 years,
13 – 15 years,
and 16 – 18 years.
The overall winner of the contest will win a once-in-a-lifetime experience of a day out fossil hunting with palaeontologists from UCC with lots of other fossil-themed prizes to be won.
The closing date for submissions is 5 pm on Friday 31st of March 2023 and the top selected entries will be invited to display their art pieces at a public exhibition at the Glucksman art gallery in Cork in June 2023. Further details on how to enter can be found on our Fossil Art page of the website.

I am happy to answer any questions you might have, follow us on our page at: https://www.facebook.com/IrelandFossilHeritage

Will
Research Assistant, University College Cork (School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences)

Ireland’s Fossil Heritage: https://www.ucc.ie/en/fossil-heritage/
Irish Fossils Gallery: https://www.ucc.ie/en/fossil-heritage/irishfossils/
Fossil Art Page: https://www.ucc.ie/en/fossil-heritage/fossilart/

AXA National Dairy Show 2022

2019 Show winners

AXA National Dairy Show 2022

21st – 22nd October

The National Dairy Show is back live and in-person for its 40th anniversary show in its usual venue of the Green Glen Arena, Millstreet, Co. Cork.
The recent announcement ended some weeks of speculation in relation to the future venue of the show due to the uncertainty of the availability of their usual home.
The return to its regular home is welcomed by the committee after switching to a virtual show format for 2020 and 2021 due to the ongoing Covid situation.
The Green Glens Arena has been the home for the event since its very first show in 1982. The 2022 edition of the show promises to build on the forty years of growth enjoyed by the show and the hardworking Cork Holstein Frisian Club committee.
The show is planned to run over Friday the 21st and Saturday the 22nd of October where the large trade exhibition will be open for the first time over two days.
The event promises all the latest in dairy technology and research. Some of this year’s highlights include the industries innovation awards, machinery demos, industry meeting place and of course, the best dairy show cattle battling for the most prestigious dairy showing competitions in Ireland.
More information on their website

Brighten up your Spring Garden with beautiful Bulbs

Anyone looking for Allium bulbs or other spring bulbs? eplantsireland.com has 2 varieties available on Sale! Lots of Spring bulbs in stock too! Bluebells, Daffodils, Hyacinths, Crocus, Alliums Purple Sensation, Gladiator Alliums- massive flowering Alliums! An absolute showstopper in any garden! Also in stock are Agapanthus white & Blue, these are bare roots which will flower from June onwards every year.  Delivery only €6.99 Limited stock- order now, planting instructions included!! 100’s of bare root roses can be ordered now, massive David Austin roses stock too!
See full range of stock on: eplantsireland.com and support a local business!