Nearly fifteen years have passed since the Local Project was started in the South Leitrim area.  The passing of time sometimes changes my memory of reality. I wonder does that happen to everybody.

For example, I used to tell people that the reason for starting up the Local Project was that at that time the Forest Service were advising people that broadleaves don’t grow in Leitrim, which also meant that Leitrim people would only receive grant aid for sitka spruce.  Then over time I began to doubt my memory because it sounded so rediculous.  I mean, there are broadleaves growing all over Leitrim, as everyone can see for themselves.

So in recent years, when the subject of the Local Project came up in conversation, I would talk about the need for a local forest economy and  the fact that Leitrim people use more than their share of tropically sourced hardwood timber. These were also significant reasons for the projects inception, but not the main motivation.  I kind of played down the ‘broadleaves don’t grow in Leitrim’ line, having convinced myself over the years that I must have dreamed that part, that no one could actually believe that statement to be true.

Then yesterday I was on the Luas on my way to the Green Leader Awards (no, I didn’t win, – in the top five though) when who did I chance to meet only one of the very Forest Service Inspectors, now retired, who had advised so many Leitrim land owners during the ’80’s and 90’s that  ’broadleaves don’t grow in Leitrim’.

He looked so fresh and healthy and it was nice to meet him.   He spoke about his retirement and I spoke about the European trips with Pro Silva Ireland.  We only had five minutes.  He recalled a phone-in radio interview he and I had both spoken on, having opposing views, – which to my shame I had forgotten about (that  dubious memory again!).

Then, just before he stood up to leave, he said it…..  The words rang in my ears in the silent pause that followed as he stepped down from the Luas at Abbey Street and vanished into the crowd.  ”It’s a pity, but of course broadleaves don’t grow in Leitrim”.  I was speechless.  I was astonished.  I hadn’t dreamed it after-all.