John J. Hassett of Fortane, O’Callaghan’s Mills was instrumental in the formation of Clare Beekeepers’ Association in 1970. He attended the Summer Course in Gormanston College in 1970 and soon after his return home he contacted a number of beekeepers in the Tulla/Ennis area. Most of his contacts agreed to join a branch of the Association provided he convened a meeting for that purpose.

The initial meeting was held in the Commercial Hotel, Tulla (kindly given free of charge by the proprietor, Mr. John Minogue). The meeting was addressed by Mr. John Aherne and by Mr. S. Cambell. Hort. Inst. All present agreed to the formation of the Clare B.K.A.

The following officers were then elected:

President: M. Moloney

Chairman: M. Byrnes

Sec. / Treas.: J.J. Hassett

There were also two vice chairmen and a committee of ten members. Forty members joined the association in the course of the next month.

During the winter and spring, lectures were given by the following: John Aherne, Fr. Gahan, Peter O’Reilly, Larry Sheedy and J.J. Hassett. Early in May, 1971, and again in June, John Aherne gave two outdoor demonstrations at John Hassett’s apiary. Between 80 and 90 people attended each demonstration. A lecture and showing of slides followed each demonstration.

Members of the Association erected a stand at the County Clare Agriculture Show and a collection of nectar bearing plants, run, chunk, cut-comb and section honey were on display. An observation hive kindly lent by Mr. Pat Donnellan attracted thousands of visitors. A brisk and profitable sale of honey took place after the show. Two weeks later a similar stand was erected for the two day show at Scariff.

The first Annual Dinner Dance of the Association was the highlight of 1971. It was held in the West County Hotel in Ennis and close to 200 guests were in attendance.

During the Spring and Summer of 1972, the programme was similar to that of 1971, lectures, demonstrations, etc. Five members of the association attended the Summer course in Gormaston. Bigger and better honey stands were erected at the Ennis and Scariff shows, and prices, particularly that for cut-comb exceeded all expectations.

The annual meeting of the Association was held in The Commercial Hotel on 4^th October 1972 and the following officers were elected:

President: M. Moloney

Chairman: M. Byrnes

Vice Chairmen: Patrick Corry and Noel Tuohy

Sec. / Treas.: J.J. Hassett

A committee of ten members – five ladies and five gents were also elected.

Arrangements were made for the second Annual Dinner Dance at the West County Inn on 17^th November 1972. The membership fees for 1972/73 was fixed at £1. And as they say the rest is history.