By Dan Walsh
A unique Food and Horticultural Project at St. Fintan’s National School, Taghmon, has concluded following a very successful inaugural year.
Developed by Ann Marie Laffan of Wexford County Council and funded through the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme, the inspiration for the project came from Principal Willie Cleary, who noted that many children no longer understand where their food comes from.
In response, Ms. Laffan developed an innovative hands-on programme designed to reconnect children with food production, healthy eating, cooking and horticulture through practical experiences.
Each class was allocated its own growing bed within the purpose-built greenhouse funded by the project, transforming it into both a productive growing space and an outdoor classroom where children learned to sow, grow and care for fruit, vegetables and flowers.
Weekly sessions were delivered by Horticultural tutor Catherine George, who introduced pupils to growing food, healthy eating, cooking skills and sustainable food practices. She was joined by Sarah Shiggins, Community Food and Nutrition Worker with FDYS, who also secured additional support through Safefood to further enhance the programme.
Learning extended far beyond the classroom through a series of engaging educational visits. Pupils visited the farm of local farmer and Irish Farmers’ Association representative Jer O’Mahony near Wellingtonbridge, where they experienced life on a working farm, learned about livestock, crops, renewable energy and modern farming practices, before planting trees and sunflowers to take home.
The children also visited Saltrock Dairy, where they learned about dairy farming, discovered how milk is produced and even made their own butter. A guided foraging walk through Courtown Woods with Lorraine O’Dwyer of Gallivanting Tours introduced pupils to edible native plants and the importance of understanding the natural environment as a food source.
Another memorable visit came from Tara Hill Honey, whose beekeeping demonstration gave children a fascinating insight into the essential role bees play in pollination, biodiversity and food production.
The project’s inclusive approach also ensured dedicated experiences for the school’s autism classes, including a therapeutic visit to Equine Railway Gallop, where pupils enjoyed equine-assisted activities in a supportive outdoor setting.
Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District, Cllr. Frank Staples praised the initiative, saying; “This project is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when schools, local communities and organisations work together. The enthusiasm shown by the children has been inspiring, and the practical skills and knowledge they have gained will stay with them for many years. Congratulations to everyone involved in making this such a success.”
Ann Marie Laffan said; “This project was about much more than growing vegetables. It was about helping children understand where their food comes from, giving them practical life skills, encouraging healthy eating and fostering a real appreciation for nature, farming and their local community. None of it would have been possible without the incredible support of the school, our tutors, volunteers and partner organisations, all of whom embraced the vision from day one.”
Project tutor Catherine George added; “Watching the children’s confidence grow alongside the plants has been one of the most rewarding parts of the project. They have embraced every opportunity to learn, whether planting seeds, cooking healthy meals, visiting farms or discovering nature. Their curiosity and enthusiasm have been truly inspiring.”
Reflecting on the visit to his farm, Jer O’Mahony said; “It was a real pleasure to welcome the children to the farm and show them what happens behind the scenes in producing the food we all eat every day. Many young people have never had the opportunity to visit a working farm, so being able to introduce them to the animals, the crops and the importance of caring for the land was incredibly rewarding. Their curiosity and enthusiasm were fantastic, and hopefully they left with a greater appreciation of farming, food production and the people who work so hard to put food on our tables.”
WexfordLocal.com 