The bee's knees! Kilkenny beekeeper wows judges at prestigious London Honey Show

A Kilkenny beekeeper has wowed judges and the public at the prestigious London Honey Show, winning first prize several months after similar success closer to home.

The South Kilkenny Beekeepers Association honey show, held annually at the Iverk Show in Piltown, took place in August 2022. While many exhibitors had great success on the day, honey show judge Redmond Williams noted that one exhibit was extraordinary and a standard that he had never seen before.

PICTURES: JOE CASHIN
The exhibit 'Two sections of Honey' was entered by Mervyn Rothwell, a member of the South Kilkenny Beekeepers Association who has been beekeeping for over 60 years. With encouragement from his fellow beekeepers, Mervyn entered his exhibit in various honey shows throughout the country, drawing much deserved attention and winning multiple awards, including Supreme Champion and Best in Show.

Due to his phenomenal success throughout Ireland, Mervyn was then awarded the opportunity to enter his exhibit at the London Honey show. He managed to win first prize for his honey sections.

It's an incredible achievement, and - along with the success of other beekeepers from South Kilkenny at honey shows in recent years - is a fine example of the skills and knowledge held within the South Kilkenny Association.

The year 2022 was considered a good year for honey production by many beekeepers. As a result, honey shows across the country saw a rise in the number of exhibits and competition was tougher than ever before.

A beekeeping for beginner’s course will commence on February 20 at 7.30pm at Kildalton College, Piltown. For more information or to register your interest, please contact Margaret Doherty at secretarySKBKA@hotmail.com.