January apples in frozen Laois
The apple tree laden with golden fruit on 4 January in Ballytarsna, Abbeyleix. Photo: James G. Carroll
AN OLD apple tree laden with golden fruit is a rare symbol of resilience as a new year dawns.
The stubborn survivor near Abbeyleix is a magical near-miracle, as temperatures plunge below zero in a bitter frost.
The unseasonably abundant crop was captured by local photographer James G. Carroll on Sunday 4 January, in a ‘secret garden’ on the outskirts of town.
The branches of the tree in Ballytarsna would usually be bare at this time of year. Instead, they are resplendent with a ripeness reminiscent of autumn.
Local historian Noel Burke, who lives nearby, said the gnarled but beautiful fruit tree is at the end of an enclosed area that his grandchildren call a secret garden, beside a derelict house.
In a social media post describing the rare winter sight, Noel said: ‘Temperature: zero degrees. And yet, here stands an apple tree still full of fruit, defying the season with quiet resilience.
‘In Ireland, apple trees are usually bare by now, their fruit long gone and their branches resting for spring. But this one is different. Whether it’s a late-fruiting variety or a stubborn survivor, it’s a rare sight - and a gentle reminder that nature doesn’t always follow the rules.’
Under the photograph taken by his friend James, Noel added: ‘The golden apples against the winter backdrop feel almost symbolic. A tree still offering fruit in the coldest month of the year - a small miracle in Abbeyleix. Sometimes, all you need is a frosty morning and a curious glance to witness something extraordinary.’
Noel and James regularly collaborate on local projects and have published three books recording the rich history and stories of Abbeyleix, most recently the highly successful ‘Abbeyleix 250’ that was launched in November.
After the sellout launch, extra books were ordered from the UK publisher and arrived just in time for Christmas, at a not-for-profit price of €15.
The book is available in Abbeyleix at Cleland’s Eurospar, Red Door Gift Shop, Abbeyleix Post Office, Heritage House and Anthology, as well as Allbooks in Lyster Square, Portlaoise and on Amazon UK.
