Kerry Social Farming Host Farms

Ger and Mary Anne O’ Sullivan’s, Laharn South Cahersiveen.
Participant: Earl Leahy (KPFA Tigh an Oileain, Valentia Co. Kerry)

Ger and Mary, with the help of Ger’s brother Tim, run a mixed farm consisting of suckler cattle and sheep. Earl worked alongside Ger, participating in a whole variety of regular farming activities: feeding livestock, especially helping to look after calves and lambs, herding cattle, changing electric fences and cleaning sheds. Earl also went to the bog with Ger, as well as mowing lawns, restoring old gates and a variety of community work. Earl has gotten to know many people in the local community through his involvement in social farming – he knows all the neighbours and farmers at the local mart. Ger and Mary Anne were delighted with their involvement in the project and have been wonderful ambassadors for the project. During 2017, farm upgrade was carried out, funded by DAFM, with work done to enable the safer movement of cattle in/out of the slatted unit by replacing a swing door with sliding door, along with securing barriers across the farmyard. Sadly Ger passed away in November 2021. His loss will be felt greatly by his family and community and by the many people whose lives he touched through his tireless advocacy for social farming. Earl has continued social farming with Mary Anne and Tim.

George Kelly, Ballymalis, Beaufort.
PARTICIPANTS: STEPHEN BROSNAN, CLAIRE SPILLANE AND BRENDAN O’SULLIVAN (KPFA), MARTIN SHEEHAN, JENNIFER O’SULLIVAN (ST JOHN OF GOD).

George Kelly runs a mixed enterprise of mainly suckler cows with some sheep, at Hazelfort Farm. He has been involved in social farming since 2013. There are currently two participants from SJOG and three participants from KPFA. Following initial collaborative HSA farm audit (John McCrohan SKDP and KSF Facilitator) and risk assessments carried out with host farmer, service provider staff and participants, an area between the slatted unit and sheds was resurfaced to make it safer and accessible for participants in 2017. New gates were installed to make it safer for participants when moving cattle. A polytunnel was recently put in place which is now a great centre of activity. This work was funded by KSF-DAFM. Farming activities are organised for the participants such that the farm work is co- ordinated around activities which the participants can partake in, thus accommodating a person- centred approach.

Patricia and Anthony Kelliher, Listry, Killarney.
Participant: Vincent Lache (SJOG Community Programme, Killarney)

Patricia and Anthony Kelliher run a beef farm and also have bucket rearing dairy calves. Vincent has worked alongside Anthony to improve calf pens for the bucket rearing calf enterprise, which has expanded with the introduction of social farming on the Kelliher farm. Vincent likes the tasks of measuring marking and cutting the steel under Anthony guidance to make pens for the calves. Vincent and Anthony worked on improving the electric fencing around the farm yard and the fields close to the yard to make it safer and easier for Vincent to move the calves in and out of the sheds for feeding. In addition, gates were put in place which can be opened and closed safely. Other activities have included piking silage, cleaning sheds and dosing cattle. Farm upgrades in 2017, funded by DAFM, were required to provide alternative activities for Vincent on account of health reasons. A polytunnel was purchased to provide different activities and enhance the social farm offer. A creep feeder for calves along with an accompanying weighing scale was purchased to enable Vincent to safely feed the calves. Vincent worked alongside the farmer, writing down the weight of the calves and Patricia taught Vincent how much feed to give to calves based on their weight. This is a wonderful example of blended learning, where a participant can improve numeracy skills through farming practice with the support of the host farmer.

Christy and Mary McDonnell, Kells.
Participants: Ellen O’Donoghue (KPFA, Cunamh House, Cahersiveen), Cathal Moriarty (NLN), ), Owen O' Connor (St John of God Service, Killorglin).

Christy and Mary have a suckler cow and sheep farm about four miles outside Cahersiveen. They provide social farming opportunities for Ellen O’Donoghue and Cathal Moriarty every week. Earl Leahy also moved temporarily to the farm during Autumn and early Winter 2021. There is plenty of work to be done including fencing, looking after livestock, feeding animals indoor in the winter, cleaning sheds before and after calving, maintaining equipment and cutting fire wood. The polytunnel is also a hive of activity, getting ready for the coming season. The polytunnel and other farm safety upgrades were funded by DAFM. Owen O’Connor began on with McDonnells in summer 2022 having previously been at Joy farm at Killorglin.

Eamonn Horgan, Kilgarvan.
Participants: Oisín O' Mahony (Rehabcare)

Éamon is a long-standing host farmer and runs a mixed enterprise sheep and beef cows and also has pigs and some fowl. He has joined the organic farm scheme and is involved in GLAS. He has supported a number of participants including Mags, Tim and Liam. In addition, Éamon also facilitated an Applied Leaving Cert student from Kenmare Community School to avail of work experience on his farm. OisIn has been keen to go social farming for some time and was delighted to come to Kilgarvan in Spring 2022. He is settling in well and he and Éamon are being kept busy with the lambing and calving season.

Breeda and Patrick O’ Sullivan, Glencar.
Participant: Breda O’Sullivan (St John of God service, Killorglin)

Breda has been attending O’Sullivan’ farm on Tuesdays for a number of years now. Host farmer Breeda provides transport as part of the social car scheme which is operated collaboratively between Kerry Social Farming and Local Link Kerry. Despite the fact that Breda has never done any farm work previously, she has gotten very well on the farm, with great support from the host farm family. Farming activities that Breda partakes in include feeding and marking sheep, fencing, checking the cattle along with gardening and baking. Fencing near the entrance of the farm yard was improved on for the safety of the participant, along with roofing in one of the sheds, supported by CEDRA funding from DAFM. Breeda hosted a successful farm walk in April 2018, as well as part of the launch event for UCC Certificate in Practice Support in Social Farming in November 2019. A yard area adjacent to the farmhouse was upgraded during 2021 to provide a safe outdoor roofed space, so that Breeda can continue to enjoy social farming throughout the winter.

Joan Brosnan, Cordal, Castleisland.
Participant: Martin Murphy (SJOG, Kerry Services).

Joan Brosnan joined the team at Castleisland Community Garden in 2020 when it was a venue for social farming. Previously Willie Reidy was host there with Claire Rohan attending. Martin began social farming in 2019 and Joan initially supported him in Castleisland. She now supports him at her own farm in Cordal. Martin was very active with Kerry Eco-Social Farming project during 2022 and designed their project logo.

John O Shea, Blackwater.
Participant: James Cullinane (Studio3 Services), James Kenny (KPFA)

John is a sheep farmer at Blackwater in the scenic and renowned Black Valley area. John began as host farmer in September 2018 with Daniel Cronin and support worker Jim O’ Mahony. Joseph McCrohan (SKDP Rural Development/KSF Manager) and Irene Kavanagh (then KSF Facilitator) carried out a farm Health and Safety assessment and improvements have been carried out. New signage has been put in place and electrics in the shed have been upgraded. The concrete in the yard has also been improved and a small bridge near the farmyard was upgraded with DAFM funding. Daniel has moved and since early 2020 James Cullinane has been coming to the farm with his support worker Damian from Studio3 service. James is involved in all aspects of farm life including feeding and checking sheep and fowl, fencing work, cleaning yards and sheds. John hosted a successful farm walk for host farmers in July 2021. In autumn 2021 another James began coming to the farm from Killarney. James Kenny is supported by John Flynn (KPFA) and is settling in well to all aspects of farm life.

Eileen Carroll and Ian McGrigor, Gortbrack Organic Farm, Ballyseedy, Tralee.
Participants: Bryan O' Shea and Kevin McNamara (SJOG).

Eileen Carroll and Ian McGrigor have run Gortbrack Organic Farm at Ballyseedy, near Tralee for almost 30 years offering a wide range of activities on their 11 acre holding. They grow fruit and vegetables and run regular classes on all aspects of organic horticulture, as well as providing a relaxing venue for self-catering holidays. Kerry Social Farming is delighted to work with Eileen and Ian in bringing social farming to this unique venture. Donal McCarthy and Patrick Barry were the first social farming participants at Gortbrack in 2018. Bryan O’Shea and Kevin McNamara (also SJOG) began at Gortbrack in May 2019 and attend with their support workers. Tomás Fitzmaurice attended during 2020/2021 and now goes to Manna Organic Farm. Ian and Eileen hosted a farm walk for host farmers in September 2020.

Rena Blake & Lisa Fingleton Ballybunion.
Participants Antoinette O’Sullivan, Seamus McCarthy (St John of God Listowel)

Rena Blake and Lisa Fingleton have a small holding at Barna, Ballybunion and grow a wide variety of vegetables and fruit with an emphasis on organic and sustainable growth. Bronagh Enright and Antoinette O’Sullivan began coming to the farm in 2018. An initial safety audit was carried out and upgrades implemented. A new polytunnel with raised beds was put in place and pathways were improved in line with recommendations around mobility issues for one participant. Concrete flooring was improved in an outbuilding and improvements made to the access road. Rena hosted a very successful KSF Open Day in October 2018. Participants engage in activities such as potting, planting inside the polytunnel and in outside beds, watering plants and also workshop activities. John O’Connor and Eoghan O'Domhnaill (supported by Studio 3) have also been social farming here. Katie McNamara came to Barna during 2022/2023, with Seamus moving from another farm in 2023. Bronagh moved to independent living during summer 2023 while Antoinette is currently studying at MTU Tralee. You can find out more about this unique farm at https://lisafingleton.com/project/the-barna-way/

Maura Sheehy, Ballyroe, Tralee.
Participants: Vanessa Meehan, Siobhan Quirke and Ciara Corridon (Skills Plus St John of God Kerry Services, Tralee)

Maura runs Maura’s Cottage Flowers in Ballyroe, just outside Tralee, with her husband Tommy. They grow flowers using organic methods in their polytunnels and provide floral arrangements for all occasions. Vanessa Meehan, Siobhan Quirke and Ciara Corridon avail of services with Skills Plus at St John of God, Ashe St., Tralee and come to Maura’s each week. Cormac Galvin is the support worker. An initial safety audit was done with input from St. John of God staff and improvement works were identified, including the laying of a new footpath to improve access to lower polytunnel and installation of handrail. A customised polytunnel was installed in 2020 with funding from DAFM. More recently Vanessa, Ciara and Siobhan, with assistance from Cormac and Tommy, have fenced off an area to be put aside for social farming, which they are maintaining and working on their own ideas about how it will look and function. Further work planned includes putting up a bird house, installing a bench and table for having picnic lunches and tea breaks in Spring and Summer, as well as weeding, fertilising and planting seasonal flowers in the raised bed. An archway is now in place for growing climbing roses. You can find out more about Maura’s Cottage Flowers here https://www.maurascottageflowers.ie/about/

Irene Brune, Cahirsiveen.
Participants: Rebecca O' Brien (KPFA Outreach)

Irene Brune has a small horticultural holding outside of Cahersiveen and is very familiar with Kerry Social Farming. She was formerly a KPFA staff member and had previously supported social farming participants. Irene Kavanagh (then KSF Facilitator) conducted an on-site farm audit with Irene Brune and discussed the kinds of activities that could be offered to participants. Following collaborative set up, David Cronin and James Moriarty began on Irene’s farm and availed of a variety of activities including horticultural (polytunnel/outside beds) work, workshop activities (repairs) and some arts and crafts. James and David have now moved to another location with their service provider.

Rebecca O'Brien began coming to Irene in Spring 2020 and is enjoying her time there. Irene is also keen to apply her experience in working with people with disabilities through farming, such as developing their communication skills by supporting Rebecca to keep a visual diary of their activities on the farm. Daniel Casey is a student from Coláiste na Sceilige, Cahirsiveen and currently visits as part of his work experience.

Tom Sears, Scotia Glen Organic Farm, Ballyard, Tralee
Participants Shane Savage, Anthony O’Connor (St John of God), David Cronin (RehabCare), and Anthony Ward.

Tom and his wife Margaret have begun a new chapter in their lives. They are developing a very special social inclusion centre in their farm outside Tralee. This will encompass a horticulture project, orchard, fruit and berry gardens and beekeeping. Tom and Margaret have a son Ciaran, who has been the main inspiration and driving force behind this project. Tom installed a polytunnel with some raised beds with the support of DAFM funding through KSF. Anthony and Shane began coming to Scotia Glen during the summer of 2021. During 2022, David Cronin joined the team, having moved from South Kerry. Anthony Ward is also social farming now, with transport support from Tom using the social car model.

Mike O Sé, Dromid
Participants: Gerald O Sullivan (Kerry Parents and Friends Association), Daniel Casey

Mike O Sé, Dromid, began social farming in October 2020. Mike has a suckler farm and a keen interest in vegetable growing and bees; offering a wide variety of activities on his farm. Mike was familiar with social farming, through his work on RSS and working on other host farms. Mike’s interest in becoming a host farmer came from meeting with people with disabilities through this work and he was keen to offer the same opportunities on his own farm. Gerald O Sullivan from Sneem, with support from Sean Houlihan from Kerry Parents and Friends Association,is social farming on Mike’s farm. Gerald has been helping with jobs and is enjoying the opportunity of working outdoors and being able to contribute to the work on the farm. Gerald’s family have a farm at home and he is enjoying developing his skills further on his social farming days. Since October 2021 Daniel Casey a student from Coláiste na Sceilige, Cahirsiveen comes to the farm as part of his work experience.

Mike has been interviewed by both TG4 and Raidió na Gaeltachta about his involvement in social farming. There is a link to TG4 interview here: https://twitter.com/MOLSCEAL/status/1425144062768779270 

Mike also hosted the FARCURA National Social Farming Conference in September 2021. See the Conference presentations at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y65W0avCcxQ 

Thomas and Claire O’Connor, Manna Organic Farm, Camp
Participants: Martin O’Donoghue, Tomás Fitzmaurice (St John of God)

Thomas and Claire O’Connor run Manna Organic Farm, a 25-acre holding at Gleann na naGealt, near Camp in West Kerry. They have 15-acres of native Irish woodland and 4-acres of permaculture including fruit trees. The farm supplies their farm shop in Tralee with lettuces, mixed leaf salad bags, kale, garlic, rocket, radishes, broad beans, peas and scallions. Facilitator Rena Blake worked with Thomas and Claire in setting up the farm so it was suitable for participants. Martin O’Donoghue and Maurice Moriarty from St John of God Service Tralee, began coming to the farm in autumn 2020 with their support worker Geraldine O’Mahony. There is plenty for them to do and they greatly enjoy their farming days. Tomás moved here from another host farm in 2021. Thomas and Claire hosted the launch of Kerry Eco-Social Farming project by Minister Pippa Hackett TD on their farm in May 2022.

Billy Jo O’Connor, Leagh Farm, Ballyduff, Co.Kerry
Participants: Patrick Barry, Tim Heffernan, St John of God.

Billy Jo began hosting participant Patrick, who attends SJOG service in Listowel, in April 2021. Leagh Farm grows salad leaves, seasonal vegetables and seasonal Irish fruit and also has two polytunnels so there is lots of activity. They also keep free range chickens and all their produce is sold through a box scheme and at Ballybunion Community Market. During 2021, following a risk assessment, farm safety improvements were carried out including improving driveway and surface of the yard, as well as new roof and door for existing outside toilet. Tim Heffernan now also comes to this farm from Listowel centre. The farm is on hold during winter 2023 and hopes to resume in 2024.

Noel Lynch, Kilcummin
PARTICIPANTS: TARA O’SULLIVAN (KERRY PARENTS AND FRIENDS SERVICES), LIAM MURPHY (ST JOHN OF GOD)

Noel is based at Kilcummin, near Killarney, where Tara attends the KPFA service. Noel began with Kerry Social Farming in June 2021 and has settled in well to social farming routine. Liam began on Noel’s farm in August 2021 and Batt Brosnan (SJOG) supports him. Farm safety improvements done include the replacement of a swing door on one of the sheds with a sliding door. A polytunnel was installed to provide new activities for participants, with work being done with the assistance of DAFM funding and labour from SKDP TUS workers. Breeda O’Sullivan (Glencar) an experienced host farmer, supported Noel in earlier stages of his time as host farmer. This was very positive input from Breeda who graduated from UCC Certificate in Practice Support in Social Farming in 2020. Noel is now part of social car scheme and provides transport for Tara to and from the farm and other social farming events.

Jan and Karen Tetteroo, Glenflesk , Killarney
Participants: Mohammed Al Salah, Tracey McCarthy (Kerry Parents and Friends Services, Killarney)

Jan & Karen waited patiently throughout the Covid-19 restrictions to commence social farming in picturesque Glenflesk. The local KSF facilitator Evelyn O’Connell supported them to take the step of becoming social farmers once circumstances permitted. Mohammed Al Salah attends the KPFA service in Killarney and began social farming in late June 2021. Mohammed is getting stuck into the farm work; helping out with the chickens, gathering wood and helping with the garden. With funding from DAFM, a polytunnel was put in place so there is more growing activity on the farm. Tracey McCarthy re-joined social farming in June 2022, having previously attended at a farm in South Kerry.

Seamus & Nora Howard, Currow
Participants: Rodger McCarthy (Kerry Parents and Friends Services, Killarney)

Seamus, Nora & James Howard have welcomed Roger McCarthy and Noel Murphy (KPFA support worker) onto their dairy and beef farm in Bawnglanna, Currow. Roger is enjoying spending time with the dogs and helping Seamus with milking the cows; bringing the cows in from the field, watching all the workings of the milking parlour and helping to feed/entice the cows into their sections for milking. With funding support from DAFM, the Howards have built a chicken coop on the farm. In line with his personal goals, Roger will take responsibility for collecting the eggs, feeding the chickens and cleaning out for the coop. Nora is now taking on role as primary support on the farm with Noel stepping back. Social farming on the Howard farm featured in Kerry Agribusiness Newsletter for March 2023 https://www.kerryagribusiness.ie/newsletters 

Joe Walsh, Ardfert
Participants: Mike O Connor (Kerry Parents & Friends Association)

James is based in Lerrig, Ardfert and is mainly a potato and turnip grower but also has suckler cattle and a small flock of sheep. James Moriarty did some farming with Joe during 2021, having previously attended another farm some time ago. Mike O’Connor now attends supported by KPFA Service in Listowel and Rehabcare. Mike comes from a farming background himself and enjoys the variety of activities on the farm, from feeding the calves and tending to sheep to working on vegetable growing. Joe completed the UCC Certificate in Practice Support in Social Farming in 2021.

Liz O’Hanlon, Ballyduff
Participants: Helen Roche (St John of God Services)

Liz and John have a beautiful holding just outside Ballyduff with thatch cottages, herb and vegetable gardens, a polytunnel and a small farm shop. They produce a range of Irish skincare products that incorporate organic skin enhancing flowers, medicinal herbs and seaweed, harvested from the Irish Atlantic coastline. Their company, Íon Organics, is a family run, artisan creator, of natural bath and beauty products. They are committed to organic farming and, organic products. Helen began attending with Liz in August 2021 and is learning about all the background work which goes into producing these beautiful natural products. Helen is currently attending MTU Tralee and would hope to resume social farming here in 2024.

Amanda and Peter Curran, Ardfert
Participants:

Amanda and Peter have a sheep farm and also produce honey, using the brand name ‘My Kerry Honey’. Both Peter and Amanda completed the UCC Certificate in Practice Support in Social Farming in 2021. Cian began attending the farm in summer 2021 and is being supported by Resilience staff. He is now settling in well to this new activity. Farm upgrades in 2022 funded by DAFM included improvements to yard, paths and driveway and provison of new chicken shed and run. The farm is currently on hold and hopes to resume in 2024.

Eleanor and Roy Bowler, Sandy Feet Open Farm Camp, Tralee
Participants:

Sandy Feet farm is a family run open farm situated in a rural setting near the village of Camp on the main Tralee-Dingle Road, taking the Conor Pass route. It is set in the most stunning location surrounded by mountains and bounded by wetlands and a long, wide sandy beach. It has something for everyone that visits, and depending on the time of year. There are various rare breed farm animals and a sensory garden and interactive garden. Eleanor and Roy are the owners of Sandy Feet. Social farming resumed in August 2021 after a break, with Sharon Sheehan a participant from National Learning Network (NLN) Tralee attending. Sharon attended until 2022 and Johnny then came here, supported by RehabCare. Sandy Feet Farm hosted the closing event for Kerry Eco-Social Farming Project in March 2023. This farm is now closed for the winter and we are hopeful that social farming will resume after the break.

BERNIE O’DONOGHUE, VALENTIA ISLAND
PARTICIPANT: PATRICK O’SULLIVAN (KPFA, TIGN AN OILEAIN)

Bernie and Muiris O’Donoghue run a busy dairy farm on beautiful Valentia Island. Their daughter Ellen already goes social farming at McDonnell’s in Foilmore. Guided by this experience, they began social farming in February 2022, with Patrick coming to them from Tigh an Oileain. Patrick is settling in and is well versed on feeding calves, cattle and other farm tasks.

MARY FLEMING, INCH FARM, KILCUMMIN
PARTICIPANT: PAT O’CONNOR (KERRY PARENTS AND FRIENDS ASSOCIATION)

Mary has a suckler farm at Inch in scenic Kilcummin, just east of Killarney. She brings a wealth of experience to social farming as she cares for her son John also. Pat began coming to the farm in February 2022 and he and John are forming a great bond as they work together on all the farm tasks. Pat is an experienced farmer having visited Mary Walsh’s farm in Killarney for a number of years. Farm safety improvements funded by DAFM include installation of gates in the yard to provide extra safety when cattle are housed, Mary graduated from UCC Certificate in Practice Support in Social Farming Course in March 2023.

BERNIE CURRAN, CAHIRSIVEEN
PARTICIPANT: AOIFE MURPHY (KERRY PARENTS AND FRIENDS ASSOCIATION, COMMUNITY PROGRAMME)

Bernie was inspired to join social farming as a result of attending the FARCURA social farming Conference which was held in South Kerry in September 2021. She made contact with KSF facilitator Evelyn O’Connell and the process of farm assessment and matching Bernie with a participant got underway. Aoife is supported by KPFA Community programme and began farming in January. The social car model, operated in association with Local Link Kerry, helps Bernie transport Aoife to and from the farm on her social farming days. Aoife helps Bernie with tasks around her home and garden and enjoys spending time with Bernie. Bernie graduated from UCC Certificate in Practice Support in Social Farming Course in March 2023.

ALAN LAWLOR, LISTOWEL
PARTICIPANTSL JP O’BRIEN (SJOG SKILLS FOR LIFE)

Alan ‘Zeb’ Lawlor is a host farmer based near Listowel. He and his wife Margaret graduated from UCC Certificate in Practice Support in Social Farming course in March 2023. Zeb is an organic vegetable producer supplying many restaurants in the local area and farmers markets Listowel and Ballybunion. Three participants began social farming with Zeb in April 2022, Katie Mc Namara, Dale O Carroll and JP O'Brien, supported by a SJOG staff member each week. With the help of DAFM funding, paths were improved and outdoor raised beds created for participant activity. Katie is now on Barna farm with Dale having moved to a different service while JP continues to attend here.

SHANNOW CENTRE, ABBEYDORNEY, CLAIRE WALSH
PARTICIPANT JAMES MORIARTY (REHABCARE)

The Shannow Family Resource Centre in Abbeydorney has hosted a number of social farming participants over the years and activity resumed in March 2022, with Claire Walsh and Brian Horgan taking the reins from Denis Burns. The Centre has a polytunnel and raised beds ideal for growing fruit, vegetables and flowers. James Moriarty supported by Rehabcare is now coming to Shannow, having previously attended with Joe Walsh and Irene Brune. This centre is currently on a break from social farming and will resume in 2024.

Mary Daly Donald, Aughatubrid, Cahirsiveen
Participant: Patrick O’Sullivan (Kerry Parents and Friends Association)

Mary has joined social farming in summer 2022 and is very lucky to have an experienced social farming participant, Patrick, to help her settle into the project!

Mary has a variety of farming skills and knowledge to offer social farming; she has a suckler farm, goats, hens amongst other animals, a vegetable garden as well as a great team of children who are as keen to be involved as host farmers too.

Paul & Annette Garland, Kerry Creamery Experience, Listry
Participant: James O Brien (St John of God)

James has started social farming with Paul & Annette at The Kerry Creamery Experience, Listry (www.thekerrycreameryexperience.ie).  James has lots to do here with a variety of animals; ponies, calves, donkey, goats and hens. James will help with feeding the animals, cleaning out their pens as well as helping with the gardening and flowers around the creamery. With support from DAFM, accessible raised beds were put in place so that James can plant his own flowers and vegetables as part of his social farming day. Paul and Annette hosted a successful open day for Social Farming Awareness Week in early October 2022.

John & Catherine Fleming, Muckross, Killarney.
Participant:

John and Catherine have opened up their dairy farm in the beautiful location of Muckross, Killarney to social farming. Vincent Keogh who has been waiting for an opportunity to engage in social farming is delighted to have this opportunity. Vincent helps with feeding the cattle in the shed and helping John to move the cows back to the fields/shed after milking. Vincent will also play a role in bucket feeding calves in the Spring time. Vincent was supported by Batt Brosnan who is a support worker well experienced in social farming. This farm Is on hold for the moment but it is hoped that it will resume in the near future.

Mary & Robbie Griffin, Dingle.
Participant: Tommy Kennedy, Anne Marie Russell and Tara Moran (St John of God)

Mary and Robbie Griffin are based just outside Dingle town and began social farming in October. There are three participants visiting this sheep and suckler farms from Saint John of God services in Dingle town. Tommy Kennedy, Anne Marie Russell and Tara Moran all visit with their support worker and are settling in well.

Comhchoiste Uibh Ratháigh, Ceann Eich, Waterville
Participant: Sean Riordan

The Comhchoiste have recently joined forces with KSF to provide social farming at their base in Ceann Eich, between Ballinskelligs and Waterville. Marjanneke Van Den Hove is host farmer here and Sean has moved from another farm to begin social farming here. He is settling in well and we hope this marks the beginning of a wonderful collaboration.

LISA O’SULLIVAN, KILLORGLIN
PARTICIPANTS: ROBERT McCARRON & SEAMUS O’CONNOR, PAT TANGNEY (St JOHN of GOD SERVICES KILLORGLIN)

Lisa O’Sullivan has a suckler farm near Killorglin. Social farming began on this farm in January 2023, having been delayed from December due to adverse weather. Seamus O’Connor and Robert McCarron, supported by St John of God service Killorglin are now attending and it is the first-time social farming for both of them. They are both settling in well to farming activities.

Sean Kennedy, Dingle
Participant Thomas Ryan, Camphill community service

Séan Kennedy, Dun Sion, Dingle began social farming in February 2023. He became interested in the project having encountered KSF host farmers who spoke at a Teagasc Dairy Farm walk in Lispole in late 2022. Séan then decided to become a host famer. He has a small dairy herd and milks twice a day. Thomas Ryan, a resident in the local Camphill Community Service, comes to the Kennedy farm. Camphill is a short distance from the farm and both men have known each other over a number of years. This is lovely example of links between Social Farming and local communities working together.

Thomas & Nora Greaney, Annascaul
Participant:

Liam Purcell was first social farming participant at Greaneys during early summer 2023. Support worker Kate Malone provided transport and support for Liam. This is his first experience of social farming. Nora & Thomas are also beginning their social farming journey at their busy farm in Annascaul. We are hopeful of having new participants on this farm shortly.

William Dennehy, Currow
Andrew Gardiner (Kerry Parents and Friends Association).

Andrew comes from KPFA service Killarney to the Dennehy farm in Currow. This is his first experience of social farming. He is supported by Noel Murphy (KPFA). William Dennehy is a dairy farmer who first attended a KSF event a number of years ago. He renewed contact with us again in Spring 2023 and began the process of becoming a host farmer. John Lynch KSF facilitator has worked on setting up this farm.

Muckross Traditional Farms, Killarney
Participants Hannah Counihan, Patrick O’Connor and Rodger McCarthy (KPFA, Killarney)

Muckross Traditional Farms are part of Killarney’s premier tourist attraction https://www.muckross-house.ie/traditional-farms.html Working with manager Toddy Doyle, facilitator John Lynch explored this as a possible location for social farming. Noel Murphy (KPFA) linked with John and 3 participants, Hannah Counihan, Patrick O’Connor and Rodger McCarthy, all based at Killarney KPFA, were identified as possible participants. After a few trial visits, social farming began at Muckross, with participants involved in gardening, caring for a walking the Irish wolfhounds and working with the bean-an-ti’s in the various farmhouses. They learnt about traditional crafts and skills such as butter making. Participants interacted with tourists and visitors to the farm and their presence was positively received. Social farming will resume in 2024 when the traditional farms reopen for the season.

Brownes’ Agri-Stores, Castleisland
Participants Michael Cronin (NLN Tralee)

Brownes Agri Stores in Castleisland is now taking a social farming participant. Michel Cronin, supported by NLN Tralee, has been attending since early July. Dennis O’Connor, General Manager of Brownes is taking the lead in supporting Michael on the farm store and Michael’s family are presently providing transport. This is the first time we have had a farming participant in an Agri-Store and it is an opportunity to develop social farming in new agricultural related setting. It provides a good platform to interact with farmers in the area and further promote social farming.

Gerard Collins, Kielduff, Tralee
Participants Participants Conor Griffin (NLN Tralee).

Conor began social farming here at the end of November, supported by NLN Tralee. Gerard runs a busy farm close to Tralee and both parties are settling in to their new activity.

Sandra Woller Kiely and Gareth Kiely, Kilcumin, Killarney
Participants Alex Delany, James Lyons (KPFA Killarney).

In November 2023 Sandra Wooller Kiely and Gareth Kiely (Kilcummin) welcomed 2 participants Alex Delaney and James Lyons to their horticultural enterprise, supported by Kerry Parents and Friends Association, Old Monastery, Killarney. Facilitator John Lynch worked to get this farm up and running after initial contacts from the farmers with Evelyn O’Connell.

Shanahans Garden Centre, Farranfore
Participant Darren O’Brien, Novas Tralee

This business is a familiar landmark on the N21 Killarney-Tralee road. Social farming is just beginning with Darren O’Brien, supported by Novas Disability Services, having his first social farming experience. Host farmer is Brian Shanahan who runs this horticulture enterprise and busy retail outlet. John Lynch has worked with Brian in setting up the social farming experience here.