Clonakilty Allotments now open

Mayor of Clonakilty, Cllr. Kevin O' Regan, with the O’ Donovan Family – Tom and Gobnait and their children Tom Junior, Dan, Edel and Sarah and two cousins. (Photo: CÓS)

The torrential rain of last Sunday failed to dampen the spirits of the 50 or so people that attended the official opening of Clonakilty Allotments, just north of Clonakilty town. Developed earlier this year by Tom and Gobnait O’ Donovan (of O’ Donovan’s Hotel), on their small farm holding at Tawnies Upper, the allotments have proven to be a huge success in their first year. With nearly every one of the 36 good-sized plots snapped up within a few weeks of being advertised, coupled with three large polytunnels which are used by tenants for starting off seedlings and growing indoor crops, the site is producing an abundance of vegetables, fruit and in some cases also flowers.

A walk around the different plots sees a diverse range of vegetables both within and between them. Some have gone for the standard traditional Irish menu of potatoes, cabbages, carrots etc. but the more ambitious have also tried cauliflowers, broccoli, marrows, Swedes, onions, etc.

In the polytunnels, tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers are in abundance, and will save the growers a fortune in their grocery bills. With all crops being grown organically (no chemical fertilisers or sprays used), different growers have used different methods of laying out their plots.

On Sunday, the O’ Donovan’s along with their extended family provided a party atmosphere in the rain! Most of the allotment holders were present, and one could see the obvious pride they all had as they boasted about their respective crops, and their success as gardeners in their first year. A marquee was set up to shelter people from the driving rain, with a wholesome barbeque meal provided. While the burgers were not grown on site, all the salads, herbs and beautiful new potatoes came courtesy of the allotment holders. In the corner, an Australian O’ Donovan entertained on the tin whistle to add to the buzz of the afternoon.

Tom O’ Donovan welcomed everyone, and paid tribute to the many people who had worked hard since January to convert the green field into allotment plots, providing onsite toilet facilities and running water. He praised all the allotments holders for the enthusiasm they have showed since taking on their little holdings, and hoped that the allotments will become more of a social as well as horticulture experience for them all.

The Mayor of Clonakilty, Cllr. Kevin O’ Regan praised the initiative of the O’ Donovan family for their vision and their willingness to diversify some of their land to enable others to grow their own food. He wished them and all the growers continued success and enjoyment into the future. He reminded people that supporting local enterprise and buying local was important in these recessionary times and as well as that, the allotment project is all about being environmentally-friendly and sustainability.

Tom O’ Donovan then called on his youngest child, five years old Sarah, to cut the ribbon to officially open Clonakilty Allotments. Following this, George Harte from Shannonvale, a keen gardener all his life, gave a short talk on vegetable growing, giving many useful tips to people, as he advised about crop rotation, avoiding pests and diseases and utilising the ground to get maximum output.

Anyone wishing to find out further information about Clonakilty Allotments should contact Tom O' Donovan on 087-2924372

Date: 20 Jul 10 09:04