The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Muckross scoops another accolade
MUCKROSS Traditional Farms has won its fourth consecutive Sandford Award for Heritage Education, an accolade it has held for 15 years.
The five-day Féile Chultúir was what won it the award, which delighted Farm and Events Manager Toddy Doyle.
“The winning of a fourth Sandford Educational Award by Muckross Traditional Farms is a testimony to the quality, commitment, energy and enthusiasm of the Traditional Farms and Research Library staff, and that of the demonstrators that work on the project,” Mr Doyle said.
“We are particularly indebted to Ursula Coffey, Principal of the Holy Cross Mercy School; Jimmy Crowley, the Cork singer/songwriter; and Pat Brod- erick from Newcastle West, who delivers the seed-to-seat workshop.”
Sandford Award Administrator Jayne Ellis was impressed, saying “It draws on the expert skills of two incredibly talented teams from the estate of Muckross House in Killarney National Park, with additional curriculum support from a highly motivated Principal Teacher from the local town.
“It is an outstanding example of multi-sensory and active learning, and should be regarded as a national beacon of best educational practice for experiencing and understanding life from a particular time and place in rural Ireland.”
It has al- ready been a busy year for the traditional farms, which earlier this year celebrated the 25th anniversary of its opening.
It also had the small matter of a royal visit in June, and TV coverage on Nationwide to coincide with its momentous anniversary. It has no time to rest on its laurels, either, with a busy nine days coming up between August 18 and 26. For further information, visit www. muckross-house.ie/muckross/ muckross-events/.