Page 62 - Simply Vegetables Winter 2024/25

Irish News
RAYMOND HIGGINS FNVS
Athbhliain faoi mhaise duit! Happy New Year!
As we reflect on the past year, it’s
been one filled with both challenges and triumphs. Despite facing difficulties in the growing season, the quality of the produce has been truly impressive, a testament
to the dedication and hard work of our members. We’re delighted to welcome new members into the group, and it’s been heartening to see so many of you connect and meet up, sharing your experiences, tips, and enthusiasm for growing vegetables. Here’s to another fruitful year ahead, filled with growth, learning, and even more connections.
Thank you to everyone who attended our AGM on Sunday (August 11th) at Tullamore Show. We would like to congratulate the members who were elected to positions on the committee and the following members are due for re-election in 2025; Noel Cavanagh – Membership Secretary, Pat Thornton – Sponsorship Manager, Laura Tully – Minutes Secretary, Michael Gordon – Simply Veg Irish Editor
We have now established a strong presence in Ireland and with the committee now expanding, I have no doubt we will continue to grow. We are currently looking to fill the role of secretary and are seeking an enthusiastic and committed volunteer to join our team. The Secretary is generally responsible for the administration of the
society. This includes letting members know about meetings, as well as handling all correspondence to outside bodies via formal letters, emails or social media posts. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact me (Raymond Higgins, contact details on Page 3). Our 2025 AGM is Scheduled to be held on October 4th.
Tullamore Show was the high point of 2024 with exhibitors travelling from all corners of Ireland. Thank you to everyone who visited our stand, 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 including Noel, Michael, Pat and Erica.
On the show bench, Michael McGoldrick, Co. Leitrim won the 2024 All Ireland Potato Championship with a top-quality dish of 6 Roosters. I also had a very successful day winning two All-Ireland Championships including retaining the Collection of Vegetables title for the third year in a row. Congratulations to Patrick Casey, Co. Longford on winning the NVS cup for the most points in the potato classes, Erica Tully, Co. Roscommon winning the junior collection of vegetables, Kevin Ward, Co. Westmeath winning the NVS Silver Medal for the Best Exist in the show (3 Kelsea Onions) and Catherine O’Leary, Co. Cork winner of our sponsored novice class for two heads of lettuce.
The Onion All-Ireland was held in Virginia, Co. Cavan on August 21st. Congratulations to Sean Egan, Co. Kerry who won the competition (retaining the title) with a top-quality dish of 5 Bridger Onions. It was our great honour to stage the Irish NVS Championships on Sunday 25th 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,
Kevin Ward – Tullamore Best In Show
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Sean Egans winning entry in the All- Ireland Onion Championship 2024
Congratulations to Michael McGoldrick winning All-Ireland Potato Championship 2024
Winning All-Ireland Best in Season 7 a Day, Fruit & Veg display