Kilkenny father and daughter scoop major awards for their local honey

South Kilkenny Beekeepers Association recently held a meeting for their members to celebrate their great achievements throughout 2023.

It was widely acknowledged that the 2023 beekeeping season proved to be challenging from mid-June onwards due to the very wet weather conditions. In August last year, South Kilkenny Beekeepers Association held their annual honey show at the Iverk Show, Piltown.

Despite the challenging beekeeping season, the number of exhibits were higher than ever before with many exhibitors participating for the first time. The honey show judge was very complimentary of the standard and quality of honey exhibited and this feedback is always welcomed by exhibitors as it sets the standard for high quality honey produce in South Kilkenny.

On the night, Peter Walsh and Ciara Hogan displayed trophies and medals that they won at honey shows throughout 2023. Notably, the Phoenix park award for Best Comb Honey at Show won by Peter Walsh, has been awarded to members of South Kilkenny Beekeepers Association for the past 3 years, held previously by Mervyn Rothwell and Peter Walsh. The Phoenix park award for ‘Best Exhibit in Show’ won by Ciara Hogan returned to South Kilkenny for the second year in a row, previously held by Mervyn Rothwell in 2022.

Ciara won the Best Exhibit in Show award at The Clonmel Honey Show and Phoenix Park Honey Show with each honey show having in the region of 300 exhibits to compete with for the award. Both Peter and Ciara, also received a Blue Ribbon award each, which is described as the premier award given at honey shows for exceptional exhibits.

To top off an already successful year for South Kilkenny Beekeepers Association, both Maura Dimond and Margaret Doherty, recently graduated from the National University of Galway with a Diploma in Scientific Studies (Apiculture) – Bees and Beekeeping.

This new knowledge will add to the very vast bank of knowledge, experience and skills already held within South Kilkenny Beekeepers Association.

If you are interested in taking up beekeeping, South Kilkenny Beekeepers Association will hold a Beekeeping for Beginners Course, starting on February 19 in Kildalton College, Piltown, Kilkenny. For more information or to register your interest, please contact Margaret Doherty at secretaryskbka@hotmail.com.