Meet the Founders of the Irish Bee Foundation
The Irish Bee Foundation is proud to be led by a passionate group of individuals dedicated to the preservation and promotion of beekeeping in Ireland. Each founder brings a wealth of experience and commitment to the cause.
Mairead Dineen Love
Mairead has been immersed in beekeeping from a young age, having been born into a beekeeping family.
After retiring to West Cork, she played a pivotal role in forming the Fastnet Area Beekeepers Association. Education in beekeeping is her primary focus, as evidenced by her graduation from University College Galway with a degree in apiculture.
A dedicated conservationist, Mairead tirelessly supports the protection and promotion of the Native Irish Bee.
Chris Dury
Growing up in Somerset, Chris developed a fascination with beekeeping through observing his grandmother and uncles.
After moving to rural Kerry, he embraced beekeeping himself, becoming an integral part of the Kingdom Beekeepers Association.
His leadership has helped grow the association significantly, and he played a crucial role in establishing a beekeeping society at Munster Technological University.
Chris is committed to creating a progressive organization that promotes, preserves, and protects the Native Irish Honeybee.
Gus McCoy
Gus is a prominent advocate for reform within the Irish beekeeping community, known for his efforts to drive positive change.
He authored a significant report commissioned by the membership, highlighting the need for transformation in beekeeping practices.
Education remains his primary focus, and he is devoted to enhancing learning opportunities for beekeepers through the Irish Bee Foundation, aiming to provide structured, high-quality training.
Michael Love
Michael grew up in a beekeeping family in West Cork. After pursuing higher education and a career in engineering in the UK, he returned to Ireland and began beekeeping alongside his wife, Mairead.
Together, they founded a successful local beekeeping association known as FABKA.
Realizing the gaps in beekeeping education, Michael co-founded the Irish Bee Foundation to offer a structured educational pathway for both aspiring and existing beekeepers.
Paul O’Brien
Paul is a staunch advocate for structured education within the Irish beekeeping community.
With extensive experience supporting the national beekeeping movement, he is passionate about elevating educational standards.
His contributions have been crucial in introducing the Level 7 diploma to Irish beekeepers in collaboration with Dr. Grace McCormack from University of Galway.
Paul aims to expand these educational initiatives by implementing QQI Level 5 and 6 qualifications, ensuring beekeepers receive the necessary training to protect Ireland’s bee populations.
Formation Timeline
Members timetable for the year at the Irish Bee Foundation CLG.
- August 2024 – Founding Members (5 Months) –
- Membership Benefits:
- Invitation to Foundation Meeting
- Beekeeping Insurance (3rd Party)
- Reduced subscription rates to BeeCraft
- Exclusive Autumn Lecture Series online for Members only
- August 2024 – Foundation Meeting
- October 2024 – Membership offering announced with Branch Affiliation
- January 2025 – Irish Bee Foundation welcome affiliated branches and their members
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