The Bóthar Wexford Supporters’ Group gathered in Enniscorthy last week and shipped 31 in-calf heifers as part of the Fr. Felix Byrne Memorial Shipment.
The initiative, made possible by the generosity of Irish donors, encourages sustainable agricultural practices in communities overseas.
The shipment is a tribute to the legacy of the late Fr. Felix Byrne, whose contributions to Bóthar have positively impacted farming families around the world.
Fr. Felix Byrne was instrumental in establishing the mission of Bóthar in 1991, alongside a group of parishioners and farming friends who shared the vision to improve the lives of those in need.
The the Wexford Supporter’ Group was established and over the years it has contributed to projects from Rwanda, Romania, Tanzania, Kosovo, Albania and Malawi and further afield.
Bóthar
Gathered at the Kilcannon Garden and Restaurant Centre on Thursday, October 24), supporters and well-wishers shared touching stories and memories, celebrating Fr. Felix’s enduring spirit.
After this commemoration, the group proceeded to Enniscorthy Mart to conduct the essential checks and balances needed for the export.
Inspections of the animals and transportation were performed by Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) officials.
The charity said that the transport and lairage in journey meet best practice to uphold Bóthar’s commitment to animal welfare, acknowledging that it may increase costs, but is “crucial” for ensuring the well-being of the animals during their journey.
Lairage, essentially animal B&B, is of good quality and planned in the journey log, according to Bóthar.
Bóthar CEO Ailish O’Reilly said: “Treating animals well, ensuring there is good lairage, is not just our responsibility and good ethics; it is best for the animal and best for the recipient farmer to receive a healthy animal
“We will request photographs and updates from the animals over the course of their journey to Kosovo and will share these images on social media as part of our transparency and accountability.”
This October, Bóthar donors will have sent a total of 60 grass-reared heifers in total- 30 from Roscrea and 30 from Enniscorthy.
Last week’s shipment arrived safely in Kosovo this week.
Kosovo
Bóthar partners with the Kosovo NGO Meshqerra, who it said will ensure that farmers receive proper training in animal husbandry, alongside ongoing veterinary support to guarantee the health of the heifers and their future calves.
Bóthar said its programme nurtures an environment where young animals can thrive, affirming their worth in new agricultural settings.
Through a structured ‘Pass-On’ gift system, participating families in Kosovo are encouraged to become donors themselves, passing on the first female offspring of their livestock to another selected family.
In total 122 families of the 130 who applied to enter the programme will direct benefit from this project.
Before embarking on their voyage last week, the animals received a blessing from Bishop of Ferns, Gerard Nash.