Exciting journey on ‘butter road’

The late Johanna O’Brien

THE death occurred on June 21 at Fermoy Community Hospital of Johanna O’Brien, Kildrum, Mitchelstown and formerly of Mountain Barracks, Mitchelstown.

The late Johanna (nee O’Donovan) was predeceased by her husband, Patrick. She was a popular member of the local community. Her popularity was borne out un the large and representative attendance at the removal on Thursday evening from the Chapel of Rest to the local parish Church and also at the Requiem Mass and burial on Friday. Interment took place to Brigown New Cemetery.

To her sons Michael, James, John daughter in law Geraldine, grandchildren Eimear, Cliona, nephews, nieces, relatives neighbours and friends we tender our sincere sympathy. LAST weekend members of the Old Butter Roads initiative, which includes eateries, food producers, visitor attractions and associations, collaborated with Mitchelstown Business Association and Mitchelstown Heritage Society to host a exciting programme of events to celebrate Mitchelstown’s historical and culinary attributes.

Free events on Saturday included a guided tour of Mitchelstown Allotment, a butter making workshop and food heritage exhibition in the library and farmer Maurice Walsh enthralled attendees with his personal insight into a day in the life of a dairy farmer.

The highlight on Sunday was the food and wine tasting experience complete with historical walk. Over 60 guests gathered at Ballinwillin House to enjoy wines from the Mulcahy family’s Hungarian vineyard paired with Ballinwillin venison bourguignon, and a Bluebell Falls goats’ cheese fritter prepared by Joanne McEldowney and her team from Thatch and Thyme in Kildorrery.

Addressing the group Ballinwillin proprietor, Pat Mulcahy, highlighted the importance of agriculture in the locality and its huge potential to generate employment opportunities, adding that it was critical to develop farming in the area to encourage families to stay together.

Guests then embarked on a guided historical tour of Mitchelstown to work up an appetite in anticipation of their visits to three local eateries to enjoy a flavour of what the area has to offer.

The organisers would like to express their thanks to everyone who supported the weekend. Having received overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees, they hope to host similar experiences in the future.

For details about upcoming events hosted by the Old Butter Roads’ Trail, visit: www. oldbutterroads.ie