News
Education opportunity for Kerry farmers
Kerry Social Farming (KSF) is collaborating extensively with UCC and Skellig CRI in Cahersiveen, in devising and planning the NQF Level 6 ‘Certificate in Practice Support in Social Farming’.
The course is aimed at expanding training opportunities for both new and existing host farmers as part of the Kerry Social Farming initiative. The ‘Certificate in Practice Support in Social Farming’ was completed by 13 Kerry host farmers in 2020 and a further 15, a mixture of existing and new host farmers, in 2021. The feedback from farmers is very positive, both in terms of how it has helped their social farming practice and also how returning to education, many after a long break, has benefited their own personal development and self-confidence.
SKDP’s Joseph McCrohan said that this course supports all those engaged to understand the history and components of social farming and disability services.
“It supports farmers with communication styles and an opportunity to share and develop suitable activities on their farms that will benefit social farming participants,” he said. “Both the host farmers and their participants enjoy the benefits of the course and it helps support and strengthen the Social Farming initiative.”
The use of the online virtual world of study over the past academic year has pushed students to further develop their IT skills, along with their learning specific to the course content around social farming.
TOPICS
The course is taught by experienced teachers, many of whom have direct experience of working in social farming. The course examines a variety of topics, including learning how social farming operates both in Ireland and across Europe, the communities it serves and the outcomes it provides. The role of the environment, the farm setting and well-being and how they link to social farming practice are explored. The course features modules on law and the legal position around disability and equality, which provide a practical insight into the issues involved.
Communication is a key topic, with students learning about a variety of communications styles and how to build on their own existing strengths in a way which can improve the social farming experience. There is also a module on social inclusion which focuses on how groups and individuals may be excluded from society, and how social farming can provide opportunities leading to meaningful and sustainable social inclusion.
The course is now established as part of UCC’s Adult and Continuing Education (ACE) programme, see www.ucc.ie/en/ace-cpssf.
KSF was established in 2013 to innovatively target both an increasingly marginalised farming community in the county, and offers choice to people with disabilities to engage with farm families and the farming community, in tandem with meeting their personal life choices and exploring new options within a rural community setting.
An information event on the 2021/2022 course, containing feedback from the successful students (farmers), will be held via Zoom on July 27 at 8pm. If you would like to hear more about the course and or to attend the information event please contact Joseph McCrohan, South Kerry Development Partnership CLG at 066 9472724 or email jmccrohan@skdp.net.
Overnight water restrictions in Greater Killarney
Uisce Éireann has introduced overnight water restrictions across parts of Greater Killarney to help reservoir levels recover during the current spell of warm weather.
The restrictions will take effect tonight from 9pm until 7am tomorrow morning. Areas affected include Aghadoe, Beaufort, and Listry on the Mid-Kerry Water Supply Scheme.
Increased demand during the warm weather has meant treated water is being used faster than it can be produced. Uisce Éireann stated that the nighttime shut-offs are necessary to protect the daytime supply for homes, businesses, and essential services.
Operations manager Eoin O’Connell urged local residents and businesses to conserve water where possible:
“Nighttime restrictions are being implemented to support treated reservoir recovery and maintain daytime supply. Conserving water will help protect resources and maintain supply for all. When there is an increase in temperatures it leads to a rise in demand for water. Water is a hugely precious resource, and it is important to conserve water.”
Uisce Éireann is monitoring water levels daily and will conduct a further operational assessment later this week.
News
West End and Great Southern team up for theatre experience
A powerful production of one of Ireland’s most celebrated contemporary plays is coming to the Killarney stage this month. In an exciting joint venture, the West End House School of […]
Overnight water restrictions in Greater Killarney
Overnight water restrictions in Greater Killarney Uisce Éireann has introduced overnight water restrictions across parts of Greater Killarney to help...
West End and Great Southern team up for theatre experience
A powerful production of one of Ireland’s most celebrated contemporary plays is coming to the Killarney stage this month. In...
Fans urged to leave points on field
Fans urged to leave points on field Kerry fans travelling to Croke Park for the All-Ireland Senior Football Final on...
Ballymac Vintage Club’s 16th annual car Run
Ballymac Vintage Club has launched its 16th Annual Classic Car and Honda 50 Run, which takes place on August 2....
United in Love: Dream Manchester wedding for Killarney
Huge congratulations to Killarney couple Elaine Sugrue and Shane Reen on their spectacular wedding celebrations on Saturday, June 6. Elaine,...
Fossa Swimmers make a splash at County Finals
The Fossa Swim team pictured at the Tralee Sports Complex following their successful outing at the County Finals of the...
On the Ball Part 2 of the Mikey Daly Interview
Éamonn Fitzgerald EF: Killarney Celtic are invited to participate in an Irish competition. That has big financial implications for travel,...
LUKE MANGAN recently caught up with Kerry FC’s manager, Colin Healy.
He spoke to him about his careers as a player and manager. Here’s how it went: When you began your...
Home cup tie for St Paul’s could be epic
Paudie O’Connor National Cup (Round 1) Utility Trust St Paul’s v GCU Brunell Saturday 7.30pm Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre...
Chances of Kerry v Cork Munster final in 2026 decrease as Munster GAA delay seeding plan
After facing a backlash from Limerick, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary players, Munster GAA have postponed their plan to keep Cork...
