Catch the buzz
Lifestyle - Interest in beekeeping has taken off in Galway with courses on the skills and techniques proving hugely popular. A new six-week introduction to the joys of the hobby is about to get underway. Judy Murphy got a sneak preview.
In the Spring a young man’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love, was the verdict of poet Alfred Lord Tennyson in 1835. These days, it seems young men and women are more likely to succumb to the charms of beekeeping, a pastime that’s growing in popularity, according to Ian Speirs and Seán Hynes of the Clarinbridge based Tribes Beekeepers Association.
People who’d like to try their hand at beekeeping, can take part in a six-week course with Tribes which will kick off next Tuesday, February 20. It takes place in their headquarters, in rooms at the rear of the Brothers of Charity administration building in Clarinbridge.
Last year’s course attracted 42 people, way more than Tribes had anticipated so, they ran two sessions.
And it’s already looking good for this Spring, according to Ian and Seán, as they give a tour of the Tribes headquarters and outline what the course entails.
Both men are committed beekeepers and offer different perspectives of the joy it brings.
Honey is the most obvious reward for a beekeeper, but there are others too. That becomes clear as Seán describes how he watches the honeybees navigate their surroundings using their natural GPS system.
“It’s fascinating to watch them coming and going. You talk about computer programmes but these bees have their algorithms in their DNA. They are doing stuff we can’t understand – it’s all pre-programmed in their DNA and is essential for the environment.”
Ian is also enthusiastic about the bees’ navigation systems but as someone with seven hives in his own garden in Maree, honey is definitely a bonus for him. Mind you, he adds, it’s a sideline rather than a business – bee husbandry is demanding and the Irish climate makes it extra challenging.
Tribes Beekeepers have five hives in their facility at Kilcornan, but all is silent for now in the walled back garden as the bees are clustered within their hives, staying warm for Winter.
Once Spring settles in properly and temperatures rise, it will be possible to split the hives, explains Ian. New ones can be passed on to members.
The reason Tribes run this beekeeping course in Spring is that so new members will be ready to handle their bees when Summer comes. The course is being given by qualified members of Tribes – many of whom started off taking this course and have now gone on to further studies.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.