Philip McCabe's World Record Bee Beard Attempt 2005

On June 25th 2005 an attempt was made in Co. Tipperary, Ireland, to break the world record for a mantle or cloak of bees. Often called a bee beard... As this is the most commonly exhibited form of this unusual beekeeper behaviour.

The village of Burncourt near Cahir in South Tipperary was buzzing with activity on the 25th June, in particular a field in a quarry on the farm of Eddie Conway. When Philip McCabe stood for two and, a half hours while his helpers attempted to cover him with a Guinness World Record of 500,000 bees. The event started at 10 am and was witnessed by media reporters from all over Europe.

Philip McCabe, the president of the Federation of Irish Beekeepers, volunteered for the record breaking attempt to raise awareness of the upcoming world beekeeping congress... Apimondia Ireland 2005, which will take place in Dublin in August, and also to raise money for the charities Bóthar and Bees for Development.

On the day, the weather was a little colder than expected and so Philip didn't reach his target of 500,000 bees... The record stands at 350,000, however after his legs started to go numb it was decided to finish the attempt when 200,000 bees, weighing 60 lbs had been applied. Although this does not break the record, the event itself was a success and proved the docility of the native Irish bees involved.

The picture at left gives a view just before the dust mask was removed from Philip's face... This enabled Philip to breath easily while the bees were being cajoled on to his body.

Philip thanked the people of Burncourt for the support that they gave.

With so many people around, the press considered it was an achievement that the only person stung on the day was Philip himself, and he was stung only seven times during the process of removing the bees.

Philip also paid tribute to the local Galtee Bee Breeding Group and Micheál Mac Giolla Coda, who have shown such great dedication in breeding the native black Irish bee - proving that it is not extinct and also is the most suitable bee for use by beekeepers in Ireland. The GBBG put in much work 'behind the scenes' in preparing the bees for use in this event as well as during the record attempt itself.

After his experience Philip says he is willing to try and break the record on some future occasion.

The Apimondia world beekeeping congress has never been held in Ireland before, and was last held in Britain during the 1950s. 5,000 to 7,000 people are expected to visit the congress in the Royal Dublin Society between August 21st and 26th.