An adopted daughter of the Valley professes her love
Farming families who have patiently worked the land for generations, craftspeople of many denominations, and those who are simply looking for a kindlier and slower paced way of life.
Nicky Kelly is one such long-time resident who arrived in the valley some 21 years ago with her husband John Kelly, a well-known gardener, author and panel member of BBC Radio 4’s popular and long running show, Gardeners’ Question Time.
Sadly, John died some years ago, leaving Nicky with two grown-up stepchildren and the need to make a living. “John was a lovely easy-going man with a lot of talent and a great way with people. He had a keen interest in nature and, of course, gardening. Losing him as suddenly as I did was a huge shock,” says Nicky.
“But you have to get on with things, don’t you? And gradually, I began working at what I knew and loved, and putting a life together for myself.”
From early childhood, Nicky has always been passionate about horses, and is a talented rider. She began breaking and schooling horses for others, and competing herself in eventing and as a member of Ireland’s side-saddle riding team.
“People brought their horses to me to work with, and I began teaching pony clubs and people who wanted to improve their riding skills,” she says.
Eventually, Nicky’s expertise led her to be in demand as a steward at eventing competitions — spending hours in the rain in soggy fields, she says.
Her insistence on correct procedures, proper treatment of horses, and abhorrence of cheating, have occasionally made her unpopular with some competitors, but led to a rapid rise up the ladder to the position of Eventing Ireland steward general.
Nicky’s particular talents have led to an invite to officiate next year at the Olympics, and at eventing competitions in several countries, including Britain’s prestigious Burleigh Horse Show, but like many people who manage to make their way in West Cork, Nicky has developed more than one string to her bow.
“I started working as a milk recorder 17 years ago,” she says. “And I really enjoy it. I like getting out visiting the different farms in the area, catching up with the neighbours, and over the years, I’ve seen families grow up, go to college and make their way in the world. That’s something I really enjoy.
“And I really like making things, jumps, fences, sleds, bird and bat boxes. I’ve a workshop that I enjoy spending time in. The jumps I make are very light and transportable, and I also make what is known in the horse world as fillers for the bottom of jumps. I set up a website and a company called Fillers and Fences to market these items, and thankfully, it’s going well. Some of my jumps and fences have been used at the Dublin Horse Show.”
Nicky takes a keen interest in the abundant flora and fauna of her home place and told me how she spent a happy hour watching an otter she spotted when walking her dog, earlier this year.
“I saw some ripples in a bog pool and stopped to take a look. And there it was, a young otter chasing tadpoles up against a rock, having the time of its life. It was a magical moment.
“This is a special place to live, with some special people, a great sense of community and really good neighbours.”
