The Cork Foyer held its first FETAC awards ceremony to celebrate the achievements of its budding horticulturists who are from a variety of homeless services around Cork, Brothers of Charity and the Basement Centre. Where better to hold the ceremony than in the garden, lapping up the fine late September weather!

John Fitzgibbons (Cork City VEC) presents Patrick Madden with his FETAC Award

Both Olive Ryan (Horticulturist) and Denis Murphy (Volunteer Horticulturist) have been the backbone of the Garden Project. They have turned the generous funding kindly provided by the Pobal Dormant Accounts Fund into real achievements.

During 2010, the Foyer received 39 applications to join the horticulture programme and currently has 42 active trainees. On the day, John Fitzgibbons (Cork City VEC) presented 13 trainees with a FETAC level 3 certificate of which 7 trainees are now progressing on to FETAC level 4. In addition, 9 certificates were also awarded for good participation and commitment.

John Fitzgibbons (Cork City VEC) presents Denis Goulding with his FETAC Award, with Barry Waddingham (Foyer Manager) and Olive Ryan (Horticulturist) looking on

The above awards would not have been possible without the support of the Cork City Vocational Education Committee and ABLES Adult Literacy Group, who support the project and externally verify the FETAC qualifications.

“I still cannot believe how far the Garden Project has blossomed in just over a year. I am extremely grateful to all the trainees, tutors and organisations involved for making the Garden Project such a success and enjoyable place to be. I would like to thank Churchfield Trust and the lads for keeping the refreshments flowing from the garden cafe and the grounds neat and tidy all year round. Your great efforts have not gone unnoticed. I would also like to pay special recognition to Denis Murphy for being our voluntary herd holder and the hours of personal commitment he puts into maintaining the free Community Pet Farm.” - Barry Waddingham (Foyer Manager)