Dernakesh Pet Farm - an animal kingdom in Cavan...

Calling all adults and children from Cavan and Monaghan! Come and be enchanted by the beauty and exotic charm of a real life animal kingdom this approaching festive season. No, you don't have to head off to a far flung destination in the heart of the tropics. It is right here on your doorstep. Dernakesh Pet Farm just outside Cootehill excites both young and old alike with its Noah's Ark compilation of animals and birds from all over the globe. Here you can really talk to the animals - whether its Humphrey the camel or the equally charming llamas or alpacas. There are wallaby kangaroos, racoons, snakes, lizards and a host of colourful and rare birds such as parrots from the Amazon, golden pheasants from China and the distinctive singing of the Kookaburra from Australia to name just but some. Dernakesh Pet Farm is the creation of Carmel Shalvey who utilised a collection of idle turkey sheds to bring the world of nature right to the doorsteps of children and young people from this area. The turkey sheds were in excellent condition and were perfect for her dream enterprise. However, they did need significant conversion and as the venture expands new areas for the housing of wildlife and for the comfort of visitors are being developed. According to Carmel the project utilises the unused buildings and at the same time brings happiness to many children and adults who are discovering Maudabawn in ever increasing numbers such is the draw that the pet farm is having on a wide spectrum of people from both the Republic and Northern Ireland. Carmel stresses that it is very much a family endeavour with sisters, brothers, nephews and nieces chipping in to help with the running of the enterprise whether it is feeding the birds and animals or doing the carpentry, the art work or being fully involved in the theatrical presentations which are so much fun and have come in for such praise from the public at Christmas, Easter and Halloween. The cost of running the pet farm is quite considerable given the amount of meal, silage and hay that has to be fed to the animals on a daily basis. However, the public support for last year's Christmas show was a wonderful boost and events such as that enables the project to keep running. This year's Christmas show will be equally engaging with Santa arriving over the hilltop on his sleigh laden with presents. The night scene here will be fully illuminated given reality yet magic to the occasion making it particularly memorable for the young ones. With his elves in support Santa will repair indoors to give out his presents with a parade of animals and wildlife looking on giving compelling drama to the occasion. However, the Christmas show is not just about the children and there is a special Bethlehem themed drama performed in the room adjoining for the adults with all the different scenes of the Nativity undertaken by real life actors. There is the inn, which shut the door on Mary and Joseph, the stable with its straw and animals and other scenes such as the arrival of the three wise men. The Christmas show takes place this year on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 11, 12 and 13 between 6pm and 8pm. It is performed again on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 18, 19 and 20. It is a show not to be missed, as good as "Santa's Kingdom" and Carmel stresses the importance of booking beforehand. People can book by phoning 087-4184871 or 087-0619913. Dernakesh Pet Farm is an innovative and courageous project by Carmel and her family. She pays particular tribute to the younger members of the team who undertake with relish all the tasks required. One of a family of eight brothers and six sisters herself she is delighted with the help given by her siblings and her many nieces and nephews. Children go out to collect the eggs and have learned how to plant vegetables. "It is about getting back to basics; trying to keep young people happy and occupied," says Carmel. Dernakesh Pet Farm is open from June to September with members of the public including many from the North coming to see the extensive collection of birds and animals. School tours and family events keep them busy. The pet farm is a popular place to visit for senior citizens and community groups - many writing back to express their gratitude.