From Sunburst to Goatsbridge -Charlie;s diary

This is a diary kept my my good friend on his first visit to goatsbridge this October. Lets hope we do not loose the majic we have here in Ireland. I think we will always have a lot to offer.
charles has kindly allowed me to publish his first day here.


Sunburst Sally
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2010
Day 1: International Local Food Tour
Day 1:

Arrived in Dublin, Ireland at 8:30 AM. Passports stamped we are ready to take on the Day. All 7 of us were collected at the Airport by our Gracious Host, Mag Kirwen of Goatsbridge Trout Farm, and her trusted associate Billy. After trying to get into the driver’s side of her van, we make our way towards Thomastown down the N9 Motorway. On our one and half hour Journey to Goatsbridge, the similarities between Sal and Mag are uncanny. Her phone is constantly ringing: she is talking business, taking orders, relaying trout orders to her Husband Ger, making final adjustments for Savour Kilkenny, arranging child care for their four beautiful children and in between she is planning our itinerary.
We arrive at Goatsbridge famished and tired. Mag immediately turns me loose in her kitchen, as this is a Monday, one of her busiest days. I am totally excited about the prospect of cooking some true Irish goodies. I put together a breakfast of Rashers, Sausages, White Pudding, scrambled eggs, bread, tea and coffee. I managed to fill the entire house up with smoke. I'll blame it on Jet Lag.


Energized we headed to take a tour of Jerpoint Abbey. The Abbey is within walking distance of Goatsbridge, but I do not recommend walking. It is beautiful country with Sheep, Cattle, and wild blackberries on the way. But it is also a very busy, narrow two lane road with no sidewalk.



Once we arrive at the Abbey we are saddened to learn that admission is cash only. We have yet to convert anything to cold hard Euros. We are not discouraged because walking around the outside we are in awe of the centuries old stone. We marveled at the engineering of this beautiful structure and took many photographs, and had a little fun too. On the walk back we decided to explore a dirt road and discovered a railroad Bridge that made a nice photo opportunity.


Once back at Goatsbridge, I try unsuccessfully to stay awake. I am enjoying the warm Irish Sunshine that is abundant in Mag and Ger's House. When I awake I learn that I am missing a tour of the farm. I arise with a new found vigor and join the group as they are visiting the new processing facility that is being constructed. Once completed, the new processing facility will provide them the much needed space to meet the increased demand for their Premium Irish Trout.


After the tour, we are treated to a homemade lasagna, good bread and wine. The lasagna was a meatier less saucy version than what I am used too, but it was delicious. 3 plates delicious. With a full belly and content spirit, I head to bed for some much needed sleep.
This is just Day One and I am already in love with the country, the people and the food!

TV comes to town !!

Last week we had a visit from the Nationwide team much to the excitement of my four kids. The day started with the team filming our chaotic morning ritual although the kids were unbelievably cooperative for a change.
Helen McInernie was a pet and we spent at least 6 hours looking at the finer details of our operation here. They say 1 hour of filming translates into 1 minute of air time.
We are looking forward to our 5 minutes of fame tonight on Nationwide at 7 o clock.
As if that wasn’t too much excitement for one week TV3 came yesterday to do a short profile for Bank of Irelands who will show it as part of their involvement in Enterprise week starting Monday. Alas the kids were not needed this week but my seven year old has now decided she will no longer like to be a fish farmer but feels TV is for her!!
Tune in folks.

Around the world in 80 days-We built a factory !

It is all about being in the right place at the right time. We realised a long time ago our fish handling facilities did not meet our new found demand for trout. We had spent a long time looking at the various possibilities to solve this issue and I am glad to say that project was completed on the 11th November 2010.
I was down in Clonakility on a lovely sunny day in early August when the big announcement was made that BIM were funding projects after a long battle with the EU. Unfortunately for 95% of the industry Salmon farmers and business in SAC regions were not eligible for this support.
Our application went in on 20th August and we started the project the following Monday. I have faced many challenges in my life to date: toilet training, first tooth, early school days, adolescence, first kiss, college exams, marriage, mother-in-laws, childbirth, parenting, and now old age! No challenge could compare to the mammoth task ahead.
We had 80 days to complete this building from the day the application went in but would not hear until well into the project if we were to get funding or not. It was a big risk but I knew the Gods were with us as always and we decided to take the risk.
Big thanks to all those who put their shoulder to the wheel .I have to give a special mention to the Foley Construction brothers. They are a family of 5 men and I must say it was like 7 brides for 7 brothers as times. Actually some of them are looking for a bride and I would recommend them highlybecause nothing is a problem and they could turn their hand at anything.
The job is complete and now we must fish on.
Nothing will stop us now!

Tipperary Food Extravaganza

I spent an absolutely fantastic evening g at the Food Extravaganza in Clonmel last week. As you can see from the above panel I was in very good company indeed. The idea was very novel and I think it was a great way to communicate to the outside world the great work being done in Tipperary to promote the local artisan food movement. From my point of view I think it was a good opportunity to meet some of the food producers I have learned to admire over the last few years and I also think it is very important to share ideas and hopefully work closely with them in the future.
Hats off to all involved but make no mistake we in Kilkenny will be back next year for the all Ireland hurling final. They have started on their diet of trout already!!