‘It's given me loads of ideas' – Retiring Peter O'Mahony lands new gig as Munster hero eyes up post-rugby life
PETER O'Mahony may not be retired quite yet, but he's already landed a new gig that's "given me loads of ideas to crack on with".
He and wife Jessica have come onboard with Kerrygold's increased involvement in this year's Bord Bia Bloom Festival from May 29-June 2.
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The couple are supporting Kerrygold's increased presence at this year's Bloom Festival
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Peter is well-known for having green fingers
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Spouse Jessica looked radiant in spring colours
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The 35-year-old played his last home game on May 16 and is now embarking on a road URC play-off run
For the first time ever, Kerrygold will host a 'Nature Wrapped in Gold' show garden at this year's edition.
This debut deepens the brand's celebration of Irish farming, sustainability, and simple everyday pleasures.
The golden theme of the garden reflects the precious habitat that supports diverse wildlife, and evokes the rolling pastures of the Golden Vale.
The 'Nature Wrapped in Gold' garden was designed by Ailish Drake and Conor Hourigan, founders of award-winning architecture and landscape design practice Drake Hourigan Architects.
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The Kerrygold garden holds a special place in Ailish's heart, as she grew up on a dairy farm in the heart of the Golden Vale where her brother Liam continues to farm today.
Enclosed within a golden-flecked boundary wall with a verdant green undulating strip, the garden is reminiscent of Kerrygold's deep connection to Irish farming.
The garden provides shelter for native wildlife with its habitat tower made from Douglas fir, which invites birds, bees, butterflies, moths and bats to inhabit the garden.
Featuring a mix of pollinator-friendly native and non-native perennials and grasses to encourage biodiversity and plant reproduction.
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Many of the plants were grown by the designers themselves in County Limerick, grounding the project in authentic Irish soil.
In creating a show garden at this year's Bord Bia Bloom, Kerrygold is expressing its brand purpose.
'Jack Crowley he's coming for you' jokes Peter O'Mahony's wife Jess as son practices his rugby skills
That is to inspire moments of simple pleasure along life's journey by celebrating the natural Irish landscape, rich biodiversity, and the grass-fed roots that have shaped the quality and character of its dairy from the very beginning.
In addition to the garden, Kerrygold will also be giving away 60,000 samples of its famous butter and cream cheese offering visitors a true taste of its grass-fed goodness.
Rugby legend Peter and wife Jessica were on hand to launch the Nature Wrapped in Gold Kerrygold garden at Bord Bia Bloom.
As a keen gardener himself, Peter said: 'As someone who loves their garden at home, it's a pleasure to see what Kerrygold and the design team have created for their garden at Bord Bia Bloom.
"I particularly love the habitat tower, inviting birds, bees and bats to the space. It's given me loads of ideas to crack on with.'
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Savouring the beautiful surroundings provided by Kerrygold
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Jessica wore a gorgeous outfit by Irish designer Aoife McNamara
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We particularly love her garden-themed straw hat
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Peter developed 'a load of ideas' for his own garden from the day out
Jessica gave a nod to the iconic butter yellow of Kerrygold butter, with her choice of outfit from Irish designer Aoife McNamara.
The look is from Aoife's SS25 collection, Otherland, inspired by the mythical dreamscape of Tír na nÒg.
She hailed: "I love working with Irish designers who share the same passion for Irish culture and sustainability that I have.
"As butter yellow is the colour of the season I could think of no better pairing than Kerrygold and Aoife McNamara to honour the Nature Wrapped in Gold garden at Bord Bia Bloom this year.'
On the concept of the garden, Lynne Andrews from Ornua, owner of the Kerrygold brand outlined: 'The 'Nature Wrapped in Gold' garden brings to life everything Kerrygold stands for - natural goodness, Irish pride and the simple pleasure of food made with care.
"Rooted in our grass-fed heritage, it's a golden celebration of the land that inspires us every day.'
Kerrygold's connection to golden pastures and Irish farming will be encapsulated in this 'Nature Wrapped in Gold' concept garden.
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