Unveiling of Ardee Plaque
On Sunday 5th May, a plaque celebrating Turlough Butler O’Bryen, a.k.a. The Bee Man of County Clare, who was born and grew up in Ardee, was unveiled in Ardee. The plaque is located on the wall beside the statue of Cuchulainn holding Ferdia in the car park on Bridge Street (on the left hand side as you drive into Ardee from Collon).
There was a good turn out, with Maréad McGuinness MEP, vice-president of the EU Parliament and Ardee native, representatives from local political parties, and members of the Ardee Tidy Towns committee all present. Of course, there were plenty of beekeepers, including Paul O'Brien, President of FIBKA, along with a number of LBKA members.
There was a good turn out, with Maréad McGuinness MEP, vice-president of the EU Parliament and Ardee native, representatives from local political parties, and members of the Ardee Tidy Towns committee all present. Of course, there were plenty of beekeepers, including Paul O'Brien, President of FIBKA, along with a number of LBKA members.
Martin O'Rourke spoke a few words, emphasising the need to work towards undoing the damage to the environment and the health of the bees, delivered with his usual wit.
Then Paul O'Brien did the honours and revealed the plaque.
Mairéad McGuinness was next, stepping closer to the crowd because of her sore throat, to enable her to be heard.
Finally Noelle Douglas presented the Ardee Tidy Towns committee with a voucher for some trees, sponsored by Douglas' Nurseries.
Afterwards, there was tea and sandwiches in the Dee Centre. The invited guest couldn't make the event, so Tom Shaw stepped up and gave a short talk on Turlough Butler O'Bryan.
Afterwards, there was tea and sandwiches in the Dee Centre. The invited guest couldn't make the event, so Tom Shaw stepped up and gave a short talk on Turlough Butler O'Bryan.