Written by: Lorraine Treacy, Latch-On Tutor, Thurles. 

On Monday, 15 May 2023, the Latch-On learners from Thurles embarked on a magical adventure to Blackcastle Farm in Two-Mile Borris.

Latch-On (Literacy & Technology Hands-On) is a two-year literacy programme for adults with Down Syndrome, which provides opportunities for adults to commence and continue their literacy development. Latch-On is funded by Tipperary ETB and is run in collaboration with Down Syndrome Ireland.

The learners studied sustainability at Blackcastle Farm and completed a project based on how farming and nature changes with the seasons as part of their Latch-On program.  They were eager to learn how farming is carried out sustainably on the Bórd Bia-approved Blackcastle Farm.  The owner of the farm, John Commins, explained to the learners that he never uses pesticides on his farm, and as a result wildflowers and dandelions flourish there, allowing the bees to collect pollen safely.

John and his assistant Kerry Ann wasted no time in introducing the learners to all the animals that live on Blackcastle farm, including Izzy the donkey, Montana the horse, and John’s beautiful herd of Piedmontese cattle. The Latch-On Students learned that Piedmontese cattle are very special as their meat contains only 1% fat. John imported the herd from Italy with his wife Ann, who sadly passed away two years ago. The learners took turns to bottle feed the youngest member of the herd, Tommy, the adorable three-week-old Piedmontese calf.   

John brought the learners to his apple orchard where he explained to the learners how apples grow. Hidden beneath the apple trees were two very busy hens. John explained to the learners that feeding the hens scraps is a great way to minimise waste and once the hens have digested the scraps, they help to fertilise the land, continuing the cycle of sustainability.   

Next on the agenda was a mystery tour across the fields to the Blackcastle Fairy Fort. John explained that a fairy fort is an ancient circular structure made of stones and shrouded in ancient Irish mythology. He described how badgers, foxes and rabbits travel through secret tunnels below the fairy fort. John encouraged the learners to close their eyes and to listen carefully for the sounds of the fairies playing their violins. Some of the learners thought they could hear the fairies while others were too busy trying to listen for the badgers tunnelling under the ground.

When the learners arrived back at the farmhouse, they were treated to a feast of mouth-watering Blackcastle burgers as they listened to Kerry Ann singing songs and playing the guitar. It wasn’t long before everyone was singing and dancing, with contented smiles on their faces and a warm feeling deep in their hearts. All too soon it was time to return to Coláiste Éile. The learners agreed that their visit to Blackcastle Farm was the best excursion they had ever been on. 

Something very special took place on Blackcastle farm that day for which no words can truly explain. Perhaps it was the enchanted fairy music, or Kerry Ann’s beautiful singing, or John’s gentle voice as he shared his love for his animals and nature. Maybe it was the magnetism of the animals or the goodness of the learners. One thing is for certain, all the Latch-On crew fell under the spell of Blackcastle Farm and it will remain in their hearts forever.

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