MANY people keep track on social media of the events unfolding at Des and Margaret Jeffares’s Ballykelly Sport Horses yard and farm in Co Wexford.

In last Sunday’s Business Post, Margaret wrote the popular Diary of the Week column in her position as founder of Good Food Ireland. The horses were mentioned each day while, on the Monday, she also referred to the fact that she and Des “grow blackcurrants and are the only remaining commercial blackcurrant grower in Ireland”.

Margaret, who is in her office each day at 8am, is particularly focussed at the moment on the 20th anniversary of Good Food Ireland, while the organisation’s food lovers’ choice award opened for entries and public nominations on Monday. They are also launching a new category, the best Irish seafood experience award and the Good Food Ireland Club.

“I am also dedicating more time to developing tourism experiences at Ballykelly Farm. We are creating opportunities for visitors to hear our family’s farming story, see the horses, understand our breeding programme, learn about blackcurrant production and gain a deeper understanding of life on a working Irish farm...

“I usually finish a little earlier on Fridays during the summer, because weekends are dedicated to horse shows. The evening before a competition is always busy, with last-minute schooling, shampooing, plaiting and preparing the broodmares and youngstock for the show ring. The lorry needs to be packed, equipment checked and, of course, a good local food picnic organised for the day ahead...

“The horses are an important part of our farming business, but they are also my escape. No matter how demanding work becomes, time spent with them provides balance and perspective. The highlight of the year is always the Dublin Horse Show, which represents months of preparation and dedication.”