GREEN FINGERS: David Byrne, Knockeenduff with his sons John and David getting ready to plant their seeds.

COMMITTEE: Dr Crokes’ Health and Well-being committee members Sinéad Sugrue, Bridgefield with her two sons Dara and Gearóid, Risteárd Clancy, Micheál Fitzgerald, and Éamonn Fitzgerald.

LAUNCH: Mike Moloney, Ross Rd, Dr Crokes’ full-back at the launch with his sons Hugh and Shay.

By Michelle Crean
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Dr Crokes have launched a new initiative for the members of the Saturday Morning Academy - and it's set to grow beyond their wildest expectations.

As part of the Dr Crokes Health and Well-being committee, the 'Grow it Forward' project was launched by club chairman Matt O’Neill.

The project has twin objectives; The young girls and boys will learn how to grow their own vegetables from seed on their own windowsill, or in a sunny back garden spot, then follow through to planting and to full growth, ready for eating, and they'll also learn to recycle and re-use plastic containers etc., that families get in their weekly grocery shopping.

Free starter kits including seeds for lettuce, carrots, beetroot, peas, tomatoes and greens were distributed at the launch.

[caption id="attachment_37413" align="alignleft" width="346"] GREEN FINGERS: David Byrne, Knockeenduff with his sons John and David getting ready to plant their seeds.[/caption]

Everything supplied is free and no previous gardening experience is necessary as full instructions and help from club members and keen gardeners, who will mentor the youngsters, will be available.

Those involved in the project include Niall Keogh, Micheál Fitzgerald, Gene O'Doherty, Sinéad O’Mara, Risteárd Clancy, and Eamonn Fitzgerald.

“I am delighted to see Dr Crokes' Healthy Club group engaging with our younger members in this way," Club Chairman Matt O’Neill said.

"It is fantastic for young people to learn and see for themselves the cycle of growth from seed to plant and on to something we can eat. There is nothing like eating something you've grown from seed yourself. We may have to open a Farmer's Market next year.”

Parent David Byrne added that they moved into a new house in Knockeenduff recently and that this project couldn’t have come at a better time for his two boys, John (6) and David (4).

"They were so enthusiastic when they got the starter kits that they were up early on the morning after the launch and tackled an old broken down section of the back garden, cleaned it up and made a raised bed. They found the 'Grow it Forward' video very helpful and easy to follow. This is a great community project by Dr Crokes for young players and it is great that they can call on experienced gardeners in the club, who will advise and encourage them on their new journey and it will be a journey from seed to table. Well done Dr Crokes.”

If anyone wasn’t able to attend the launch and wishes to join up they can contact Eamonn Fitzgerald at the Academy on Saturday morning.

[caption id="attachment_37415" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] COMMITTEE: Dr Crokes’ Health and Well-being committee members Sinéad Sugrue, Bridgefield with her two sons Dara and Gearóid, Risteárd Clancy, Micheál Fitzgerald, and Éamonn Fitzgerald.[/caption]