Rare Irish tree found in Offaly presented to Emo Court in Laois
Irish Timber Growers Association gift an Irish Whitebeam sapling
An Irish tree so rare that it is on the Red list of Threatened Species, has been gifted to Emo Court in Laois.
A baby sapling grown from Irish Whitebeam, Sorbus hibernica that were found growing near the Laois border in Killeigh, was presented by the Irish Timber Growers Association (ITGA) to the Office of Public Works (OPW) to plant in the hugely popular Emo Court public parklands.
The Irish Timber Growers Association held their June field day and AGM at Emo Court, Co. Laois where members were treated to a guided tour of the gardens, parklands, and grounds by the OPW staff, together with a talk on the fascinating history of Emo Court.
The Association took the opportunity to present Emo Court with an Irish Whitebeam, Sorbus hibernica, which was grown by association member, Joe Deering, from a small number of wild trees found outside Killeigh.
The ITGA say that Sorbus hibernica is unique to Ireland and a culturally important species and is listed as vulnerable in the IUCN Red list of Threatened Species.
"Surveys suggest a population size of a just a few hundred mature individuals in the wild in Ireland. It is a species that is commonly researched globally, with more than 30 of its features being studied.
"The Irish Whitebeam is also known for its ecological importance and is a host plant for several species of moths and butterflies, providing a source of food and habitat for various important species. The association is encouraging the preservation of our rare native tree species.," the group state.
The tree was presented by the association Chair, Brendan Lacey, in thanks to the Office of Public Works for hosting the walk.
It was planted by Joe Deering and Edward Bailey (Head Gardener) within the parklands adjoining the formal gardens.
Emo Court, once the largest walled country estate in Ireland, was designed by noted architect James Gandon in 1790 for the Earls of Portarlington and is a magnificent example of the neo-classical style and features noted gardens, parklands, and woodlands, all first laid out in the 18th century.
Emo Court was acquired by the Jesuits in the middle of the 20th century and subsequently by Major Cholmeley Harrison, whose vision was to restore Emo Court House to its former glory. After much restoration works, in 1994 Major Cholmeley Harrison presented Emo Court House to the people of Ireland, continuing to live there in private apartments until his death in 2008 aged 99.
Emo has also been home in the past to the distinguished Jesuit photographer Fr. Frank Browne and to the author Benedict Kiely. Staff of the OPW now care for the estate and preserve its stately elegance.
The OPW has invested heavily in Emo Court and grounds in the past decade, including restoring the lake perimeter walk, building a new visitor carpark and restoring the house with another wave of major work planned.
Latest figures show 350,000 people visited Emo Court in 2022 and it ranked in the top 10 free visitor sites operated by the OPW.