Roscommon apple tree to be planted at Áras an Uachtaráin in memory of President’s dog
President Michael D. and Sabina Higgins with Bród at a Youth Garden Party at Áras an Uachtaráin in 2018. Pic: Maxwell Photography
A special Roscommon apple tree is to be planted at Áras an Uachtaráin in memory of President Michael D. Higgin’s Bernese Mountain dog, Bród, who passed away last year.
During a visit to the Áras, the Irish Seed Savers Association recently presented President Higgins and Sabina Higgins with the unique tree, a Lough Key Crab tree discovered in the estate of Lough Key Forest Park in Boyle.
The tree was found within the stump of a birch tree, boasting beautiful deep pink blossom, dark purple tinged foliage, and deep crimson crab apples.
The President’s beloved dog Bród, who passed away in April 2023 at the age of 11, had been a cherished member of the Higgins family since arriving as an eight-week-old puppy at the Áras.
Over the years, Bród brought joy to the thousands of visitors who had the pleasure of meeting him during their visits to Áras an Uachtaráin.
The Lough Key Crab tree holds significant importance as it is part of the National Irish Heritage Apple Tree Collection conserved at the Irish Seed Savers Association.
President Higgins expressed his gratitude for the meaningful gesture from the Irish Seed Savers Association, emphasising the importance of preserving Ireland's agricultural heritage. The planting of the Lough Key Crab tree at Áras an Uachtaráin serves as a poignant tribute to Bród and contributes to the protection of Ireland’s apple tree heritage.
The Irish Seed Savers Association, established in 1991, is an environmental organisation and social enterprise with a mission to conserve, protect, and utilise Ireland's diverse genetic food crop heritage.
Committed to safeguarding food crop biodiversity for present and future generations, the organisation also focuses on educating the public in the sustainable and ethical use of these precious resources.
By doing so, it makes a significant contribution to seed and Irish heritage apple tree conservation.
For more information about the Irish Seed Savers Association and their mission, people can visit www.irishseedsavers.ie
