Carlow beekeeper wins prestigious national award

FOR almost 40 years, Paddy Holohan has tended to his hives, mentored newcomers to beekeeping, and shared his passion for bees with schoolchildren across Carlow. Recently his decades of dedication were recognised when he received the prestigious ‘FIBKA Beekeeper of the Year’ award at the Federation of Irish Beekeepers Associations summer conference in Tullamore.

The modest Carlow man was genuinely shocked by the honour. “I didn’t know anything about it,” Paddy admits with characteristic humility. His fellow association members had secretly orchestrated the nomination, even removing him from their WhatsApp group to plan the surprise. Being that Paddy doesn’t check the app frequently; he remained blissfully unaware.

The award citation painted a picture of a man whose generosity knows no bounds. Committee members described Paddy as someone who “changes his plans to accommodate anyone” and “attends every event.” His commitment extends far beyond his own hives – he travels to schools with his observation hive to educate children about bees and has been instrumental in nurturing the next generation of Carlow beekeepers.

“For many he has been an unsung hero,” read one particularly apt description during the presentation ceremony, conducted by FIBKA president John Donohoe.

When chatting to The Nationalist he was predictably found tending to his garden – always thinking of nature and his bees.

Paddy’s journey into beekeeping began almost four decades ago when he acquired his first colony despite knowing virtually nothing about bee management. Fortune smiled on him the following year when he encountered John Blanche in Ballin, a figure Paddy describes as “the beginning, middle and end of beekeeping in Carlow.” “He took me under his wing and steered me in the right direction and soon I got a second hive and progressed along,” Paddy recalls of those formative years.

The hobby developed in relative isolation until about 15 years ago when Blanche decided to revive the Carlow Beekeepers Association, placing an advertisement in the local paper to gauge interest. The response led to regular meetings and the establishment of an annual beginners’ course that continues every spring.

The association’s work soon expanded beyond hobbyist meetings. Carlow County Council enlisted their expertise for public education programmes, there was also a collaboration with the Visual Arts Centre that brought bee education to over 10 primary schools across the county before COVID-19 restrictions.

Paddy’s demonstration toolkit includes an observation hive – “a frame of bees behind glass” that allows children to witness the intricate workings of bee society. “You’re able to see the honey stored there, pollen, the brood (baby bees hatching out), male bees (workers and drones), and the queen,” he explains.

These educational sessions have extended to tourism events like A Taste of Carlow, and Paddy has noticed a marked improvement in public understanding. “Over the years you can see that the level of knowledge amongst the general public has come up a notch or two. They’ve become more aware of nature, their surroundings, and what plants make good pollinators.” For Paddy, beekeeping remains a pursuit that demands constant attention and adaptability. “There’s no such thing as a standard year in beekeeping. Beekeeping is weather, weather, weather,” he explains, highlighting the delicate balance required to maintain healthy hives.

His advice for those wanting to create bee-friendly environments challenges popular assumptions. While wildflower meadows have become fashionable, Paddy suggests a more practical approach: Visiting public gardens throughout the year to observe which plants actually attract bees during different seasons, then selecting shrubs that provide continuous support rather than seasonal blooms that can be overwhelmed by grass.

Despite his embarrassment at receiving the award, Paddy remains committed to the association’s mission.

For this self-described “nature guy,” the award may have been unexpected, but for those who know his work, it was long overdue recognition of a true champion of Carlow’s beekeeping community.