Hi there! My name is Marcus Ó Fátharta and I’m 10 years old. I’m in 4th class in Scoil Náisiúnta Inis Meáin, and one of my favourite things to do is help my dad on our family farm.
Farming on the Aran Islands is different to the mainland – our fields are small and separated by stone walls. We have 7 cows, 2 calves, one bull, and 2 goats who eat the brambles. Our Jack Russell, Eddie, is 13 and still helps us out every day. He’s great pals with the cattle!
In winter, our cattle graze the ‘craga’ (fields at the back of the island). When they’ve finished the grass in one field, we move them to the next, and rotate them so the grass can grow back. In summer, we move them closer to home where the grass is better.
In spring, we sow potatoes in the ‘garraí’ (a special field for growing veg). I help my dad with all the digging – it’s hard work! Our potatoes last all year and taste better than anything you’d buy in a shop.
There’s no vet on our island, but there is one on nearby Inis Oírr. If there’s an emergency, neighbours are always ready to help – and we do the same.
As the old Irish saying goes:
Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine – people live and thrive in each other’s shelter.
Marcus