Sustainable scarecrows take the top title in Leap this year

RECYCLING and sustainability was the theme of this year’s winning entry in Leap’s Scarecrow Festival. 

Made by four year old Daniel Magennis, Drimoleague and his two and a half year old friend, Thomas Weblin, its title was  ‘Cycling and Recycling.’ 

Daniel’s dad Peter, who helped the play school buddies with their creation, explained how it was made with a selection of recycled biscuit and bean tins, milk bottle cartons and timber. 

Peter, a member of the West Cork Cycling Club, said he liked the idea of  merging cycling and recycling and included a timber bike in their creation. 

Involved with Drimoleague Tidy Towns, he said the family put a big emphasis on keeping their locality clean. 

‘We go out walking every day and always come back with something we’ve found in the ditch to recycle such as a piece of paper or a coke can. If everyone did the same, it would have a big impact and hopefully our entry will help highlight the cause,’ he said. 

Daniel, who goes to Caheragh playschool with Thomas, said he was delighted to win the popular festival and planned on celebrating with ‘ice cream and smoothies.’

Peter joked: ‘The win will give us bragging rights!’

The festival wraps up this weekend for another year and according to organiser Rita Ryan it’s been another hugely successful week. See page 8 for more.