Rathdowney rocks at garden Street Feast

RATHDOWNEY Community Garden was buzzing with activity, as members and local residents gathered to celebrate another successful gardening season with a vibrant Street Feast.

Hosted by the Rathdowney Community Garden, the event was made possible through the support of Connect Laois, the Our Shared Plate Project, Dunmore Country School and Laois Sports Partnership. The celebration welcomed members of the wider community, including the Rathdowney Men's Shed, Women's Shed, residents of the Commercial Inn and residents of Spring Crescent.

The Street Feast on 6 August highlighted the incredible impact of collaboration between local organisations, volunteers and community members, who share a passion for growing food, building connections and creating a more inclusive community.

The day began with a cookery workshop led by Derek Oman of the Food Change Collective. Participants prepared a variety of fresh salads and seasonal dishes using produce grown in the Rathdowney Community Garden, Clochar Centre Community Garden, Commercial Inn Community Garden, Dunmore Country School Garden and home gardens throughout the area.

Derek demonstrated simple and creative ways to make the most of locally grown ingredients, while attendees also contributed a wonderful selection of homemade dishes to the feast.

Following the cookery demonstration, Sean and Steven from Seva Strength got everyone moving with a fun and energetic exercise session, before the community gathered to enjoy a delicious barbecue. Freshly prepared salads were served alongside grilled burgers, as everyone relaxed and enjoyed the afternoon.

Entertainment was provided by the Rathdowney Men's Shed Band, whose lively performance added to the festive atmosphere. The celebrations concluded with a visit from the ice cream van and a guided tour of the community garden.

The event showcased the power of community collaboration and demonstrated how bringing people together around growing, cooking and sharing food can strengthen local connections and create lasting friendships.

Claire Williams, who is neighbourhood network community liaison with Our Shared Plate Project, said: "It has been a privilege to work alongside the committed Rathdowney Community Garden group over the past year. Together, we've developed new skills in growing and using herbs, explored the importance of biodiversity and creating wildlife habitats, visited the inspiring Moneygall Community Garden and discovered practical ways to reduce food waste through zero-waste cooking.

“To finish the programme with a community Street Feast was the perfect celebration of everything we've achieved together. Most importantly, we've learned how growing, cooking and sharing food locally can help shorten food supply chains while strengthening community connections."

New arrivals coordinator Cassia O'Neill of Connect Laois added: “It has been incredibly gratifying to see the commitment and enthusiasm of everyone involved in the Rathdowney Community Garden. I have been working with this project for the past three years and every year we welcome new people who become actively involved.

“A wonderful atmosphere has been created where people have found not only a place to grow vegetables but also a place to make friends and connect with their community. Working alongside Our Shared Plate, Dunmore Country School, and Healthy Ireland has enabled us to grow this project and combine our efforts to make a meaningful and lasting impact within the community.

“The Street Feast was a fitting celebration of another successful year for the Rathdowney Community Garden and a reminder of what can be achieved when communities work together with a shared purpose.’’