Allotment community name entrance road Paddy’s Lane

By Mary Dennehy

THE Bohernabreena Allotments has provided two community groups with seeds to flourish, after the owner donated allotments to the Firhouse Men’s Shed and the Tree of Hope project.

Now in its 5th year, the allotments are owned by local man Jimmy Phibbs – who established the allotments on land passed down from his grandfather.

The idea for the allotments came from Jimmy’s father Paddy who, passing away in March of this year, handed the land over to his children a few years back.

Paddy worked alongside Jimmy in growing the allotments and was recently honoured by the Bohernabreena Allotment community – which named the main entrance to the plots, Paddy’s Lane.

Jimmy told The Echo: “We had a really special day celebrating the naming of the main entrance road into the allotments as Paddy’s Lane.

“The allotments were my dad’s idea and he was very much part of it until he passed away. He loved growing and wanted to share that love with others.”

He added: “We have a fantastic community of people here in the allotments and they also named the walkways within the allotments with names like Rhubard Corner and Avocado Avenue.”

Since opening five years ago, Bohernabreena Allotments has been full every year, as local people embrace urban farming by growing their own.

“We’ve been completely sold out every year”, Jimmy said.

“It’s been great and this year we decided to donate two plots to local groups, the Firhouse Men’s Sheds and the Tree of Hope [project] – which we announced during the Paddy’s Lane ceremony.

“I thought that the Firhouse Men’s Shed was a good fit. They are looking for different activities to do and already we have five or six group members up at the allotments working away.

“The Tree of Hope [project] has been given a number of saplings however, they are too young to plant in communities yet so, we gave them a plot where they can grow small tree plants to harvest out every three years.

“We are delighted to have the local community on board and they are very welcome for many years to come.”

For further information on Bohernabreena Allotments email bohernabreenallotments@gmail.com or call 087 8230332.