President Micheal D. Higgins graciously hosted the Irish Seed Savers Association at Áras an Uachtaráin for a courtesy call this week.
During this special visit, the Irish Seed Savers Association presented President Higgins and Sabina Higgins with a Lough Key Crab tree, which will be planted at Áras an Uachtaráin in memory of their beloved Bernese Mountain Dog, Bród.
Bród, who passed away in April 2023 at the age of 11, had been a cherished member of the Higgins family since arriving as an 8-week-old puppy at the Áras. Over the years, Bród brought joy to the thousands of visitors who had the pleasure of meeting him during their visits to Áras an Uachtaráin.
The Lough Key Crab tree holds significant importance as it is part of the National Irish Heritage Apple Tree Collection conserved at the Irish Seed Savers Association. This unique tree, discovered in the estate of Lough Key Forest Park, Boyle, Co. Roscommon, within the stump of a birch tree, boasts beautiful deep pink blossom, dark purple tinged foliage, and deep crimson crab apples.
The Irish Seed Savers Association, established in 1991, stands as an environmental organization and social enterprise with a mission to conserve, protect, and utilise Ireland’s diverse genetic food crop heritage. Committed to safeguarding food crop biodiversity for present and future generations, the organisation also focuses on educating the public in the sustainable and ethical use of these precious resources.
President Higgins expressed his gratitude for the meaningful gesture from the Irish Seed Savers Association, emphasizing the importance of preserving Ireland’s agricultural heritage. The planting of the Lough Key Crab tree at Áras an Uachtaráin serves as a poignant tribute to Bród and contributes to the protection of Ireland’s apple tree heritage.
For more information about the Irish Seed Savers Association and their mission, please visit www.irishseedsavers.ie
The Irish Seed Savers Association is an environmental organisation and social enterprise established in 1991. Committed to conserving, protecting, and utilizing Ireland’s diverse genetic food crop heritage, the organisation plays a vital role in safeguarding food crop biodiversity for present and future generations.
Additionally, the Irish Seed Savers Association educates the public in the sustainable and ethical use of these precious resources, making significant contributions to seed and Irish heritage apple tree conservation.