‘Green-fingered’ students transform gardens

A group of ‘green-fingered’ students from Gurteen Agricultural College in Co Tipperary recently gave a full day of their time to help transform the exterior and gardens at St. Cronan’s Association in Roscrea.

The 65 students, along with five College lecturers, partnered with Tipperary Volunteer Centre for the initiative, having completed a similar project in St. Anne’s Residential Service in Roscrea in January.

St. Cronans’s provides day support to more than 130 adults with intellectual disabilities and/or autism in Roscrea, Birr and Nenagh.

Melissa White, a lecturer, who organised the initiative, said the project was ideal for the group of first year Level 5 students as they enjoy working outdoors.

Tipperary Volunteer Centre manager Derek Fanning said it is important for people to get involved in their communities from a young age.

“Our statistics show that if people volunteer at a young age, it is very likely that they will continue to volunteer throughout their lives.

“Volunteering is not only great addition to have on a C.V but it’s the often-underestimated impact that it has on communities, like these projects undertaken by Gurteen College, that showcase its real value to the social fabric of Co.Tipperary, “ he said.