Awards Ceremony 2005

On Monday 9th May 05 the Organic College held it’s awards ceremony.

“Organics can feed the World“

This was the message of Ms. Kate Carmody to Graduates of the Organic College in Dromcollogher on Monday last.

Ms. Carmody representing the Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association and herself a farmer, cheese-maker in Kerry, said that gives a level playing field with convention farming, organic will win outright and deliver food in quality and quantity for all the planet.

Describing the setting up of a successful Dairy Herd in Beal and adding value to the milk in making top quality cheese Ms. Carmody, herself a biochemist, said we do not need Genetically Modified Food, we need Ireland to be G.M. Free. We need Fair Trade internationally and supports for the young entrants to farming and farmers markets.

Urging the Public to shop local and organic, she said, this was the way to keep local control, local employment, taste, variety and security in the food we eat.

The Graduates were congratulated by the Minister for Agriculture Mr. Brendan Smith T.D. who described the range of supports to Organic Farmers.

In the new decoupled regime, Mr. Smith said there is real scope for the Organic Sector to expand. His Department was determined to assist this through grant assistance for conversion and through Reps. The opening of several Demonstration Organic Farms will be extended this year as well as more promotions of Organic Food.

The Students – Year 1 Certificate and Records of Achievement

– Marie Tuttle
– Annie Reidy
– Geraldine Murphy
– Peter Cassidy
– Declan French
– Frances Curtin
– Margo O’Connor
– Paul O’Donoghue
– Noreen Dillane
– Rossum McNamara
– Stefanie Brussig
– Tracey Ryan
– Jerry Desmond
– Dermot Lyons
– Adrian O’Sullivan
– Wendy Gillissen
– John Devoy
– Margaret Barry
– Terence McDermott
– Janine Behan
– Lil Coyne

Year 2 Diploma

Agriculture and Green Cert

– Emer O’Flaherty

Organic Enterprise

– Eadaoin Casey
– Brian McNally
– Tara Hickson
– Ben O’Callaghan
– Jer Lyons
– Derick Lyons
– Jennie MacDonald
– Pat McEniry
– Jim Hanrahan
– Goth Nightingall

The evening concluded with the Minister together with Miss Nellie Noonan planting an Ash Tree in Memory of Patrick Noonan, The Square, Dromcollogher, Co. Limerick, a long time friend of the college.

The tree was blessed by Canon Seamus Ambrose P.P who reminded everyone that only God can make a tree.
The next cycle of courses at the college starts in September, Places are strictly limited. Application is directly to the college