Berries, barbecues and books – all in a day’s work at allotments

OVER 60 people attended the annual Bohernabreena Allotments barbecue on Saturday, where the owners of the allotments unveiled new facilities such as a community library and toilets.

The allotments – not to be confused with the nearby Friarstown Allotments which are owned by South Dublin County Council – are owned by the Phibbs family and have become a hub of activity in the community.

There are 40 allotments in total, and allotment holders and their families attended the barbecue, where local councillor Brian Lawlor officially opened the new facilities.

“During the lockdown period, we invested €15,000 in upgrading the allotment facilities,” allotment owner Jimmy Phibbs told The Echo.

“This included road resurfacing, a new multi-purpose shed with kitchen facilities, new toilet facilities, a new horse-manure pit, and a restructured wooden Barna shed for use as an allotment community library.

“We converted that little old Barna shed into a library, and we want to collaborate with book clubs and encourage them to come here and give them the opportunity to discuss their books while looking at the mountains.”

The barbecue’s attendees were treated to a variety of activities, including a throw-the-welly competition. Allotment holders Shabu, Brijoy and Jobis won the Best Vegetable competition for berries that they grew.

The event also allowed the allotment holders to get together after the uncertainty of the past few months, when restrictions meant that many allotment holders couldn’t tend to their plots.

Instead, a team of five allotment holders called the Vital Maintenance group, who live within 5km of the allotments, made sure all of the plots were weeded and watered until restrictions were lifted.

“The barbecue was a celebration of the work that we’ve put into the allotments, and what we hope will be the end of Covid,” added Jimmy.

“I’m thrilled that people could get out and mingle. The weather held, and we were all delighted looking at what we created.

“To walk around and see the allotments in such colour and beauty . . . it’s pure satisfaction.”

Next year, the Phibbs family are planning to hold an event to mark ten years since the allotments’ first harvest in 2012.

If you’re interested in going on the waiting list for a plot in the Bohernabreena Allotments, or are part of a book club that would like to use the community library, contact Jimmy on 087 823 0332 or email bohernabreenaallotments@gmail.com