The School of Food

As an IT and eBusiness consultant, I had focussed on developing a web presence for a range of Small and Medium Enterprise clients, with a special emphasis on rural projects and companies.

This interest and expertise evolved into a central role in conceiving, establishing and developing the School of Food in Thomastown.

Initially as a volunteer Board Member, I brought my project management background and hands-on approach to taking the project from aspiration to reality. With the help of some great volunteers and having convinced some super sponsors I personally managed to raise almost €140,000 for the project.

The School of Food opened in January 2015 and was supported by a committed team of volunteers and some very well known advocates.

Having taken on the role of Manager I set about turning the potential of the now completed building into a fully functioning School and rural food business hub, conceiving and populating a broad range of food and gardening courses and facilities for a range of interests and abilities, from novice to professional.

In response to a dramatic change in direction and ambition at Board level in July 2015, I turned my interests and passion from the School of Food to what I do best: consulting, smallholding, gardening, beekeeping and brewing .

You can see me talk about the School of Food and the plans that I had put in place for the School on Irish TV, Kilkenny Matters here:

The School of Food Kilkenny

Kilkenny Matters Ep. 32 (18 minutes into the programme)

The School of Food

Kilkenny Matters Ep. 41 (12 mins. 30 into the programme)

Get in touch, I am always available to advise, develop and invigorate your business.