By John O’Shaughnessy 

Wilbert Houben (known affectionately in Thurles as “the Dutch Man”) was one of those rare volunteers whose quiet determination could turn an idea into something you could walk, touch and be proud of. I first met Wilbert through Thurles Gun Club when I was a young man of about 18-20 years of age. From the beginning he stood out, modest in manner, but bursting with practical solutions, a deep respect for wildlife, and a belief that community groups could do more than simply talk about conservation, they could build something lasting, together. 

That belief shaped many of the places people now take for granted. In the mid‑1980s Wilbert proposed the Pheasant Island project to Thurles Gun Club as a clear statement that the club stood for the protection of habitat and the responsible stewardship of nature. The island was constructed by members in 1984– 1985, and Wilbert, evening after evening, largely on his own, built the stone rockery that remains there to this day, a lasting signature of his patience and skill. 

Those same hands and that same foresight became central when Cabragh Wetlands began to take shape in the early 1990s. An idea by local man Tom Grace after the closure of Thurles Sugar factory, Tom brought the Local gun clubs and other likeminded individuals together to protects the existing wetlands. Wilbert as a strong advocate of the conservation of wildlife and the environment got involved from a very early stage and brough his own unique approach to the project. Wilbert was a doer and a problem solver, he wasn’t one for taking about problems, he was action lead, what’s the issue, we’ll find the solution. 

Wilbert was at the heart of that work, the person who would arrive with tools, materials and a plan when others were still debating options. As a member of Cabragh Wetlands since its inception, and one of the original trustees when the Trust was established, I had the privilege of working alongside him for many years. He was always there to help, no matter how big or small the task, and he carried a real pride in doing the job properly. 

Wilbert’s contribution to Cabragh was exceptional. From the construction of bird hides and the main centre, to the walkways around the wetlands and countless practical improvements, he brought a craftsman’s pride to every detail. He could design, fabricate and fix almost anything, and he did it in a way that encouraged others to get involved, showing rather than telling, and leaving people confident to take on the next job themselves. 

Wilbert also supported many other local projects, but for many of us his greatest legacy is the living, breathing place that Cabragh Wetlands has become, a safe haven for wildfowl and a space where families, schools and visitors can experience nature up close. 

Wilbert is sadly missed, but he is never forgotten. Pheasant Island now stands as a landmark in Thurles for over 40 years a true testament to Wilbert’s vision, and craftmanship and each time we step into a hide, follow a pathway, or watch birds settle on the water, we are reminded of his hands, his heart, and his belief that conservation is something we build together. 

• Photo: Wilbert Houben at ’06-09 Heritage weekend, E. Brennan.