Michael Hickey, a native of Gortrua Organic Farm near New Inn, Tipperary, passed away on March 13th after a brief illness. He was a pioneering environmentalist ahead of his era. He was one of the early adopters of organic farming practices in Ireland during the 1980s, fearlessly confronting the government’s agricultural policy that was directing and funding farmers differently at the time. He dedicated the subsequent four decades to educating and promoting sustainable farming methods to many due to his vast knowledge and captivating charm. His informal role turned into a formal one recently when the Farming for Nature organisation enlisted him as an “ambassador” and a mentor in their Horse’s Mouth initiative, enabling him to advise farmers across the nation on enhancing biodiversity while maintaining productivity.
Born to a bank manager in Ennistymon on May 12th, 1950, Michael’s affection for the countryside was rooted deeply from early on. Throughout his childhood, he indulged in outdoor activities such as playing in woods, enjoying the river banks of the Inagh, tree climbing and breeding unusual birds for sale. His family relocated to Dublin when he was 12. His disdain for conventional education and rebellious nature made attending Blackrock College a challenging affair for him and his educators. His regular absenteeism eventually led his parents to transfer him to Rockwell College, located near his uncle’s farm in Tipperary. Here, his rural explorations were accommodated to an extent. It is recalled that when one of the family friends wanted to meet him at Rockwell, he was informed that Michael could be anywhere, possibly “riding a swan!”
His family’s hopes of Michael leading a settled life post-enrolment in a business course at University College Dublin were dashed when he was expelled in his first year because of his poor attendance.
In the late 1960s, he led a roving life, spending some time in London, wandering around Spain, and exploring the iconic Route 66 in the US in a VW camper van with some companions. Eventually, he found solidity in Australia. His attractive demeanour helped him land modelling jobs and a postal service job in Sydney.
A spell in Alice Springs saw him juggling dual roles – delivering mail in the mornings and devoting his afternoons to writing. His experiences there eventually led to the creation of his seminal work, Desert Dreaming, published in 2010. It delved into his growing anxieties over the European settlers’ inability to comprehend and replicate the profound bond between Australia’s indigenous inhabitants and their native land. His experiences across Australia, Asia and India exposed him to gentler, sustainable agricultural practices that left an indelible impact.
However, a familial obligation, resulting from the passing of his single uncle, prompted him to return to Ireland in 1981. He was entrusted with managing their ancestral farm in Gortrua, situated alongside the river Suir. Back home, he cultivated an unforeseen oasis in Tipperary, nurturing land that had not yet been spoilt by industrial farming techniques. Under his stewardship, Gortrua blossomed into a sanctuary where fellow travel companions found solace, working the fields and lingering for a period of time. As years passed, he successfully raised a species of Aberdeen Angus cattle, slaughtered locally and sold directly to local consumer associations. His little paradise also housed horses, geese and goats that wandered “the Inch” near the river, meandered through the willow and blackthorn bushes, lazed in “the bog” amidst the wild orchids during summers, and prepared for winter on the rich pastures of the elevated fields.
Proving to be ahead of the curve, Michael designated the borders of his fields as habitats. By the time the Rural Environment Protection Scheme was rolled out, his visionary approach served as a model for official hedgerow regulations. His well-established hedges now serve as lush linear forests, offering shelter and enhancing biodiversity across his farmland.
With a passion for organic farming and soil studies that spanned over forty years, Michael became a fundamental figure in the agrarian world. His enthusiasm led him to co-establish the Irish Organic Farm and Growers Association, earning himself a reputation as an ardent advocate of organic farming. His relentless pursuit of knowledge culminated in a field ecology diploma from UCC, awarded later in his life in 2002.
In the years leading up to his passing, Michael welcomed numerous agricultural students and aspiring organic farm owners to his land for educational farm walks and botanical group events. His lively spirit and warm humour were instrumental in inspiring these visitors to adopt organic farming practices.
His environmental endeavours didn’t stop at farming; Michael was a key player in setting up Hedgerows Ireland, an environmental initiative based out of Tipperary. Just recently, in February 2022, he played a profound role in a delegation to the Dáil Committee for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, presenting a set of proposals aimed at enhancing pay and safeguarding measures for hedgerows.
He leaves behind his cherished wife, Ute, and his two sons, Luke and Liam.