Project 2020/ 2021
Bennett's Mill Field
Work has commenced on the development of a new Biodiversity Amenity Garden by Clonakilty Tidy Towns. On July 30th 2020 members of Clonakilty Tidy Towns welcomed Wesley Bennett and his daughter Jane to the site to officially launch the initiative and to formally express the gratitude of the entire Clonakilty community for their generosity in giving a lease on this land which will be known on completion as “Bennett’s Mill Field”.
It's all coming together
July 2020
Map of proposed development
Map of proposed development
Wesley Bennett and his daughter Jane at the launch of the project.
Map of proposed development
Map of proposed development
Map of proposed development
Sketch of development plans for the Bio Diveristy Amenity Garden.
Development Begins
Map of proposed development
Development Begins
Tidy Towns volunteers and community employment scheme participants get to work.
Development Begins
Willow dome and footpaths
Raised vegetable and fruit beds
June 2021, the concrete arrived for the paving area with beautiful stone walls already completed.
July 2021, groundwork has commenced on the pond and grass mound.
The pond lining and water overflow is complete and stonework has commenced.
Railings erected, stone work complete and planting now in progress.
August, 2021. The gazebo structure has arrived and the boys are erecting scaffolding.
Its getting there, lots of discussion and advice being handed around but Mike is in control.
Sat 21st August, they did it, the gazebo is up and looking great.
Mike Deasy Project Manager
Mike Deasy Project Manager
Diarmuid Cregan Joint Chair presenting a special bench to Mike his co-chair and project manager.
Mike Deasy Project Manager
Mike Deasy Project Manager
Mike Deasy Project Manager
Clonakilty Tidy Towns' local hero and Project Manager extraodinaire
Mike Deasy Project Manager
Diarmuid and John Tidy Towns joined by Anthony McDermott, Clonakilty Community Mayor and Monsignor Aidan O'Driscoll
Tidy Towns Volunteers celebrate with Mike.
Mike and Ber, his patient wife.
Some of the hardworking Community Employment scheme team who worked with Mike.
Sept 21: The roof goes on the gazebo, what a beautiful structure.
Raised beds maturing nicely
Garden seating arrives
Garden seats sponsored/donated by families to remember their loved ones.
Raised vegetable and fruit beds, mulch added.
New History and Story Board designed by local artist Tomás Tuipear
Area view of completed garden on day of Official Opening taken by Sean Deasy (Mike's son)
Clonakilty Brass Band perform in new Gazebo at the Official Opening.
Gillian Coughlan, Mayor of Cork County, Anthony McDermott, Clonakilty Community Mayor and Clonakilty Tidy Towns Project Committee.
Jane Connaughton (Bennett) representing her father Wesley Bennett unveils the plaque for her father Wesley Bennett.
Jane cuts the ribbon to officially declare Bennett's Mill Field open to the community. Holding the ribbon Noreen Minihan and Mike Deasy.
Reception following the Official Opening:
Christopher O'Sullivan TD, extended Bennett family, Clon Tidy Towns Project committee, Ostna Keating, Rev Kingsley Sutton and Giulia Vallone.