Page 65 - Simply Veg 1 2024

Irish Section
Athbhliain faoi mhaise duit! Happy New Year!
Embarking on a new year provides an opportunity for reflection. 2024 provided many positives particularly attending our much-loved shows across Ireland, where it was such a joy to meet up with all our members in person again and showcase and exhibit our vegetables. We welcomed several new society members in 2023 and we congratulate you on your recent show success.
Thank you to all members who attended our AGM on Sunday (August 13th) at Tullamore Show. After 12 years in the role of Secretary, Michael Gordon had advised us prior to the meeting that he wished to step down from the role. We are very thankful to Michael for his contribution to the society over the years and are delighted that he will remain involved and continue the role Simply Veg Irish Editor.
We would like to congratulate the following members who were elected to positions on the committee.
We have now established a strong presence in Ireland, our membership numbers are growing, and our Facebook page is very popular. The quality of vegetables that are exhibited at the various shows around the country is improving every year. With the committee now established and expanding, I have no doubt we will continue to grow.
Tullamore Show was the high point of 2024 with exhibitors travelling from all corners of Ireland. On the show bench, I had a very successful day winning all three All- Ireland Championships including retaining the potato championship for the third
year in a row with a dish of 6 Kerr Pinks. Congratulations to Margaret Prendergast, Co. Mayo on winning the NVS cup for
the most points in the potato classes and Congratulations to Anna Feighery, Co. Offaly winner of our sponsored novice class for two heads of lettuce.
Thank you to everyone who visited our stand at Tullamore Show. It was lovely to meet and discuss our shared interest in growing vegetables. Many thanks also to all our members who volunteered their time to support on the stand, especially our Junior Members Erica and Evanna. We wish to sincerely thank the NVS trustees who provided us with financial support and covered the cost of the banner and tablecloth. It is very much appreciated by all of us in the NVS Ireland.
The Onion All-Ireland was held in Virginia, Co. Cavan on August 24th. Congratulations to Sean Egan, Co. Kerry who won the competition with a top- quality dish of Red Rover Onions. Sean is a top grower and rising star exhibitor, and it was wonderful to see him finally winning his first All-Ireland Title.
It was our great honour to stage the inaugural Irish NVS Championships on Sunday 27th August. We are very grateful to Reggie Mitchell and the committee
of Moate Show in facilitating us and providing us with this venue. We are very grateful to everyone who supported the show exhibitors, judges, volunteers, and Sponsors. Congratulations to all winners.
In September, Several Irish members travelled to the UK to exhibit at the National Championships. We had a wonderful
weekend in Yorkshire and sincere thanks to our friends in the Northern Branch for hosting the championships. We had a very positive members meeting in October.
We held practical demonstrations on how vegetables should be prepared for exhibition and setup a mini show with a judging demonstration. Thanks to all who attended and helped make the day such a success.
Looking forward, the NVS have prepared an exciting programme of winter ZOOM presentations. Please keep an eye on social media and on the website for further information and details on how you can register you intertest in attending. Like last year the Talks will be recorded and added to the website library as a member only benefit.
Raymond Higgins NVS, Ireland Chair
200 Club
Our “200 Club” is back for 2024,
This is your opportunity to support the National Vegetable Society, Ireland - NVSI and hopefully win a prize from one of the 10 prize draws made throughout the year. The cost is a one off €10.00 payment (which equates to only €1 per draw) Half the money generated goes towards prize money and half towards the NVS In Ireland. Just send off your €10 to Sean Egan, address on form. The first draw for 2024 is scheduled for Saturday March 2nd. Winners will be notified by post together with their prize,
and the results will be published
on the National Vegetable Society website as well as Simply Vegetables magazine. The club entry form for 2024 is included in this magazine. We thank all our members in advance
for their support of our fundraising campaign. Congratulations to our recent draw winners; September 1st Prize (€60) Maureen Roche, Co. Clare and 2nd Prize (€20) Michael Connelly, Co. Dublin; October 1st Prize (€60) David Gleeson, Co. Dublin and 2nd Prize (€20) David Lewis, Co. Clare.
RAYMOND HIGGINS FNVS, NVS IRELAND CHAIR
1Year
23/24
President
Harold Lawlor FNVS
1Year
23/24
Secretary
Tom Boyd
2 Year
23/25
Minutes Secretary
Laura Tully
1Year
23/24
Show Manager
Reggie Mitchell
1Year
23/24
Show Secretary
Kathleen Higgins
2 Year
23/25
Simply Veg Editor – NVS Ireland
Michael Gordon
2 Year
23/25
Sponsorship Manager
Pat Thornton
2 Year
23/25
Membership Secretary
Noel Cavanagh
Evan and Ruby O’Malley, Ballina Co.Mayo winner of the NVS silver medal at Bonniconlon Agricultural Show
NVS Ireland members at the AGM Tullamore Show
Simply Vegetables 65