By Helen Riddell
BEEKEEPING organisations across West Cork will hold their annual beekeeping event on Sunday March 29th at Cox’s Hall, Sackville Street, Dunmanway, starting from 12 noon.
Hosted by the Carbery Beekeepers Association, South West Cork Beekeepers Association and the West Cork Beekeepers Association, the event is open to all beekeepers, those interested in taking it up, and anyone concerned with protecting the environment.
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The event organisers have arranged two key speakers for this year’s event Dr Ann Haig and Michael Young MBE.
Ann, who is based in West Cork, works as an invasive species officer at the National Biodiversity Data Centre.
She is a veterinarian with a master’s degree in wildlife health and conservation.
Her talk will cover key aspects about invasive species with a particular focus on the Asian Hornet, which is posing a huge threat to Irish beekeepers.
Michael, who is a master chef and internationally recognised supreme honey judge, will speak on ‘Healthy Colonies the Natural Way’.
Michael has acted as a judge at over 150 honey shows in several countries. In 1992, he received his inaugural Honey Judge award from the Federation of Irish Beekeepers (FIBKA).
Beekeeping has a long tradition in West Cork, The mild climate and rich flora of the area creates an ideal habitat for honeybees, which are essential for pollinating a wide variety of crops and wild plants.
Barry Hanley of the West Cork Beekeepers Association said the event in Dunmanway is open to everyone. ‘We welcome everyone, whether you are a beekeeper or are thinking of becoming a beekeeper, or have an interest in the environment,’ he said.
‘We would recommend that anyone thinking of taking up beekeeping does undertake training, and join their local beekeeping organisation who will provide a mentoring service for newcomers and help them to get their colony established.’
Groups organising the event are all affiliated with the national body, the Irish Beekeepers Association (IBA) made up from local affiliate associations and provides courses and insurance cover for members.
Barry said the Dunmanway event is a key event for beekeepers throughout West Cork to come together.
‘At the core of the event is knowledge sharing in an informal space, and practical advice.’
Leading beekeeping suppliers, MacEoin Honey and Donegal Bees will also be in attendance. Admission is €10 and there will also be a raffle for beekeeping related prizes.
