Women’s Link Longford Activities Summary

Our Shared Plate has been buzzing with activity at Women’s Link in Longford!

In June, we hosted a community planting workshop for local children, led by horticulturist Aoife Munn. The kids learned to make pots from newspapers and planted strawberries, peas, beans, and sunflowers. They also explored the journey from seed to table through hands-on engagement with locally grown vegetables. Later that month, Alan Kelly, the master gardener of Women’s Link, gave us a tour of their flourishing garden, sharing planting tips and sustainable practices like homemade fertilizer.

In July, Alan led a workshop for Women’s Link members, focusing on raised-bed gardening. With support from Killoe Men’s Shed, five raised beds were installed at Palace Crescent’s Community House. Participants learned about companion planting and practical ways to grow food even in urban spaces.

We also held two community food mapping events in collaboration with Maynooth University, where participants identified local food sources and shared insights on food access and sustainability. These results were compiled into an online Longford Food Access Map, highlighting options within a 15-minute walking radius.

Through these workshops, mapping, and discussions, a strong sense of community and enthusiasm for sustainable food practices has flourished. We’re excited to continue collaborating with Women’s Link and local residents for future Our Shared Plate initiatives!