Growing in Peace          See Photographs of Growing in Peace Launch 9th February 2010 - HERE

Growing in Peace Project work ceased in 2011 - the gardens are still run by brilliant volunteers

Castleblayney was the setting for an exciting new project whereby five community gardens were set up in different locations around the Castleblayney area.

The project was based at Íontas and was funded by the Monaghan CDB Peace III Peace & Reconciliation Partnership. The aim of the project was to promote peace and reconciliation via the concept of sustainable living.

Growing in Peace Harvest Celebration

Approx 120 people attended the Growing in Peace Harvest Celebration on Thursday last in Íontas. The event was held in conjunction with the Castleblayney Peace Festival during the weekend of the 28th-31st of October 2010.
The produce from the community gardens was on display and Chefs Sandra Oliver, Emir McBennett and Íontas’ Patricia Connor produced various foods such as soups, deserts, potato bread, pickles and jams, a selection of breads including griddle bread and brac.
We had displays from Lisdoonan Vintage, John McKeon had a display of whitethorn hedging and various berries & fruits, Paddy McGeough kept everybody entertained with his old gramophones, Carrickmacross Lace (Catherine & Mary Flanagan); Jams/chutneys from Puddleduck , vegetables from Castleblayney farmers market, knitting from Marie Sewell and  91 year old Kathleen O’Connor, vegetables & eggs from Mrs Carroll.

A display of poultry was provided by Colm McQuaid and Paul Ford played a couple of tunes on the pipes. Witches, zombies and many other unmentionables were present as many of the Kids came in fancy dress. In addition a number of residents from St Mary’s hospital who had supervised the garden there attended.
Liam Murtagh Growing in Peace Chairman and Ann Marie McHugh organising Chairperson gave an outline of the project and welcomed everybody to the event.
A draw was held where by €480 was raised and this was split 50/50 between self help Africa and the local St Vincent de Paul Branch.

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This project is supported by