Keen interest at hands-on scything event

The demonstration of scything on Nicholastown Green last evening was well attended, with lots of people young and older prepared to have a go, writes Brian Byrne.

Organiser Ray Kelly first outlined the Kilcullen Community Action work on keeping a number of spaces around town 'wilded' to encourage biodiversity of both small animals and wild flowers.

He then detailed the elements of a scythe and the techniques he had so far learned about the use of the implement, peppered with a few jokes and anecdotes relating to scythes — example: What do you call a man with a scythe who is smiling? A Grin Reaper ("Yeah, I don't think I'll make it in stand-up comedy!").

The weather was good, the wild areas of the green ready for reaping, and it was a very sociable local event for National Heritage Week 2022.

All the Diary's photos (44) from the event can be viewed and downloaded from here. Below is a selection from these.

LISTEN: A Birds Evening in Pollardstown.

LISTEN: Remembering Kilcullen Capers.

LISTEN: Ballyshannon Voices from the Past.

LISTEN: Conserving Moone Tower House. 

LOOK: All Heritage Week events in Kildare here. 

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