By Katie Gleeson
@katieinthecountry
Dairy farmer and DWI Steering Committee Member

If you’ve ever been to a Dairy Women Ireland North Munster event, you’ll know they tend to be fairly real-life affairs. There might be a baby asleep in a buggy,
somebody arriving slightly late because cows had other plans, and plenty of chats happening over tea rather than behind microphones.

For the past few years, we’ve made a conscious effort to create a summer event that feels genuinely family-friendly not just for dairy women, but for partners, children, grandparents and hopefully inspire the next generation of young farmers too. This year, we’re delighted to bring our Summer Family Event to Cabragh Wetlands on Thursday 13th August, with the support of Centenary Thurles Co-operative. Our theme this year is “Good Farming. Good Water. Good Future.”

Many local farmers will already be familiar with conversations around water quality through the Suir catchment work, ASSAP engagement and farm walks happening across the region. But this morning isn’t about regulations or sitting through presentations. Instead, it’s about getting curious and exploring water quality in a practical, interactive and family-friendly way.

We’ll be joined by Claire Mooney from Teagasc, looking at practical actions farmers can take around the yard to help protect water quality, while Michael Long from Cabragh Wetlands will guide us through an interactive exploration of wetlands, biodiversity, macroinvertebrates and Cabragh’s fascinating Cosmic Walk. And having attended many events at Cabragh myself, there’s probably no better place for the conversation.

Many of us know Cabragh Wetlands is there, but not everybody fully appreciates what a gem we have on our doorstep. Through its work in conservation, recreation and environmental education, it has become a place where schools, families and communities can connect with nature in a really hands-on way. For years, Centenary Thurles Cooperative and Cabragh Wetlands have shared a strong local connection and partnership, supporting a place that brings together education, community, nature and local people. That’s a big part of why hosting this year’s Dairy Women Ireland family event in this location feels so fitting.

So, if you’re a woman involved in the dairy sector and you’re curious to come along and learn more, we’d love to welcome you. Bring the kids (little or not so little!) and grab a couple of hours away from the yard with good company, fresh air and a cup of tea. Boots, buggies, babies and questions all very welcome.

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