"Cattle in Ancient and Modern Ireland" talk to take place in south Offaly

Shinrone Heritage Group is set to host a talk titled “Cattle in Ancient and Modern Ireland”.

Taking place on Thursday, May 28, at 7.30pm in Cloughmoyle School House, Main St, Shinrone (R42 YN97), the talk will be given by archaeologist, geneticist and rare-breed conservationist Darren McLoughlin.

Darren will explore the story of cattle in Ireland, from their earliest domestication through to their role in early Irish society, farming, food, folklore and rural identity.

“Rare breeds are often hardy, well adapted to local conditions and suited to conservation grazing,” said Darren.

“In an age when many communities are thinking more carefully about the land around them, these breeds offer a powerful reminder that heritage can be practical, living and forward-looking.”

Speaking ahead of the evening, SHG’s Ger Murphy said he was delighted to welcome Darren to South Offaly.

“I first became aware of rare breeds a couple of years ago when I attended the indigenous animal breeds exhibition in Bunratty Castle during Heritage Week. It was a real ‘wow’ moment.

“Breeds such as the Irish Moiled, the little Dexter, the Kerry Cow, the Droimeann and, most intriguing of all, the Bó Riabhach, were simply cattle I had never heard of, yet they were once part of farming life across the island.”

Ger said the Bó Riabhach is an exceptionally rare breed, with only around 70 remaining in the country, having been saved from extinction some 20 years ago by a dedicated group of farmers.

Readers may recall that back in the late 1990s, the last of the Donegal Tory Island cattle died out. Since then farming communities have become much more aware of the importance of protecting and valuing our breeds.

Rare breeds are not museum pieces said Ger: “They are living heritage which both connect us to old farming traditions and encourage us to think differently about land, climate, biodiversity and community stewardship.”

The talk promises to be an engaging and thought-provoking evening, offering a fresh look at Ireland’s cattle breeds. All are welcome to attend, and no booking is required.