BE MY VALENTINE Killavullen Farmers’ Market returns!
Killavullen Farmers’ Market returns for 2022 on Saturday, February 12 and will take its traditional fortnightly place in the calendar for the rest of the year! After a brief hiatus since the last market in December, the stall holders and customers alike a
an aphrodisiac.
Yet another reason to buy our Multi Award winning Irish Honey!), it is easy to see how he became the Patron of Beekeepers – who also symbolise the protection of marriage and families. Calling upon his intercession, is also thought to ensure sweetness of the honey harvest and protection for those who protect the bees. St Valentine is also a Patron of epilepsy, young people, and travellers. OTHER PATRON SAINTS
OF BEEKEEPING St Gobnait: this Irish Saint also goes by the name of St Abigail (“gives joy”) or St Deborah (“honeybee”) and celebrates her Feast Day on February 11th. She was born around the 6th Century in County Clare, Ireland but ran away from home due to family problems. After she spent some time on Inis Oirr in the Aran Island, an Angel appeared to her urging her to journey inland to a place where nine white deer could be found – there she was to live out the rest of her life. Eventually, St Gobnait found her deer and settled in Ballyvourney, County Cork (which is now known as St Gobnaits Wood. I did say at the beginning that I would bring in the Cork connection).
There, accompanied by her brother St Abban, she built a convent and
spent her life leading a group of religious women, tending to the sick, and keeping bees. She is also credited with saving her people from the plague. According to Irish symbolism, the souls of the dead escape the earthly body as butterflies or bees so it is no wonder that St Gobnait found such significance in honeybees. As a healer, she also used honey to treat the sick and tend their wounds.
Legend also has it that she urged her bees to protect Ballyvourney from a brigand by sending an angry swarm after him. With such powerful form of persuasion, he was forced to return stolen cattle and run for his life. In addition to being a Patroness of Beekeeping (and fertility), she was originally also a Patron of Ironworkers.
So as you can see, there has always been and continues to be a strong link between the church and beekeeping. And while some may have their favourite Patron Saint, it’s nice to know that beekeepers clearly have many options and therefore we should bee (pun intended) well protected in any eventuality. Happy St Valentines’ day – Patron Saint of both Lovers & Beekeepers! For more information on Blackwater Honey, visit www. blackwaterhoney.ie/
(Adv)
One of the oldest farmers’ markets in Ireland, now into its 20th year, they will have their regular Saturday market from 10.30am until 1pm in the grounds of the Nano Nagle Centre, on the main road between Castletownroche and Mallow. The market is continually evolving and continues to surprise each visit.
All regular stallholders return to the market for 2022 so you will be able to purchase a range of products from locally grown seasonal vegetables, handcrafted baked goods, Arbutus breads, jams, chutneys and cordials. There is a fine selection of meat, smoked salmon, yoghurts.
Killavullen Farmers’ Market is a great spot to pick up crafted goods including knitwear, kids toys and wood products. The second hand bookstore is a must for any reader. All books cost €1 and donations of books are also gladly accepted.
WHERE WE WERE THIS WEEK
We are so lucky to be surrounded by great producers and suppliers at Killavullen Market and we thought it would be nice to share some good news about others great businesses. A recent visit to O’Mahony’s in Watergrasshill for Sunday brunch was a real treat! Great coffee and freshly prepared, exceedingly delicious dishes were in abundance. Dishes featured runny poached eggs, tangy hollandaise sauce, crispy bacon and sweet sticky French toast. Expertly executed whilst feeling like you were at home the whole time! Bravo Victor and Marie.