Welcome to IMYB 2026 –
Northern Ireland
4th – 8th July 2026
by Colette O’Connell, PRO of the IBA CLG.
In July 2026, Northern Ireland hosted the International Meeting of Young Beekeepers (IMYB) – the world’s largest gathering of young beekeeping talent, passion, and international friendship.
For the first time, IMYB took place on the island of Ireland, bringing together young beekeepers aged 12–18 from over 40 countries for an unforgettable four-day programme of learning, skill-sharing, cultural exchange, and global connection.
From the spectacular opening ceremony, to hands-on challenges at Riddel Hall, and a grand finale at Belfast City Hall, IMYB 2026 was truly an inspiring experience for participants, mentors, and supporters alike.
This unique event is about more than just bees. It’s about building lasting friendships, celebrating sustainability, and empowering the next generation of environmental changemakers.
After a four year gap, Ireland had a Team participating in the 2026 Belfast event. Two members of the IBA, Stan and Alex O’Sullivan brothers from the Three Counties Beekeeping Association along with Patrick Bourke from the Duhallow BKA of FIBKA, worked hard to improve skills for the meeting . Unfortunately, two young beekeepers from Co. Waterford were unable to attend the meeting and their spaces were eagerly grabbed up by others.
A special thanks to Grave and Vicki in NUIG who introduced the Team members to Microscopy for a day.
Prof Grace McCormack with Padraig, Duhallow BKA, Vicki NUIG, with Alex and Stan Thomas, Three Counties BKA.
Team member PATRICK using one of the many microscopes on hand at NUIG
In between being mentored by Beekeepers in their respective Beekeeping Associations the Irish Team members travelled to Co. Waterford BKA two weeks in a row to learn the art of Grafting for Queen rearing. Team members need to be commended at undertaking the grafting without veils to allow them to see the correct and avoiding some cranky bees due to thundery conditions. Only one sting but the thrill of learning the techniques surpassed the pain!!!
Colette shining light on the newly hatched larvae allowing 12 year old Alex successfully graft before replacing the grafted larvae int the cell cups before returning to the Cell Raiser colony prepared the week before.
The Team members were joined by Co. Waterford BKA member, Sophie. Sophie took up her beekeeping journey last year and enjoyed starting off with grafting this year. A young gifted beekeeper, Sophie has an exciting future as a beekeeper to look forward to!
We wish these young beekeepers lots of fun into the future. Seeing their enjoyment and enthusiasm as they reported on the microscopy and their enthusiasm as they saw the ease with which they could graft to guarantee a ready supply of Queens into the future is so rewarding.
On another note, all enjoyed seeing the benefit of having your Queens clipped; if unable to make the 9 day inspections or if a Queen cell is missed and a swarm issues, the beekeeper does not lose all of her/his bees; the clipped queen will fall to the ground unable to fly and if not found by the beekeeper will be left with a small handful of bees with most of the swarm returning to the parent hive. Special thanks to PJ our Apiary Manager and the Co. WBKA members for welcoming and encouraging the team as they went.
This photo captures the sight of a swarm that issued with a clipped queen. The bees that had swarmed were still with her and the teenagers watched as PJ picked her up with a handful of bees placing them into the empty nuc box. We all watched enthralled as the bees quickly followed her ladyship marching in quick succession into the box.
Thanks to PJ for facilitating all the learning that takes place at the Co. Waterford Beekeeping Association Apiary.
A special thanks to the parents who have been positively supporting the teens; their enthusiasm has been infectious to all of us who have had contact with them.
Team Ireland shown here being led into the opening ceremony by Stan Thomas.
Team Ireland 2026
The Team came overall 3rd in the Cultural event with their playing of the Irish National Anthem on two Banjos and the Uilleann pipes; a recital Oscar Wilde and to finish with singing of the ever popular “Killeagh” by Kingfishr. There were plenty of tears all round as the lads did their bit guaranteeing them overall third on the podium for their effort. Special thanks goes to Siobhán Bourke, who as a music teacher encouraged all the way!
Stan and Alex O Sullivan are from Newtownshandrum Charleville Co Cork. They bee keep with their mother Laura at The Three Counties Beekeeping Assoc and the Organic College in Dromcolliher Co. LIMERICK. They are grateful for the mentoring of Pauline at Three Counties and Catherine Caulwell at the Organic college.
Patrick Bourke whose Granduncle is well known Beekeeper, Andy Bourke continues in his family’s footsteps with Duhallow BKA.
A special thanks to the beekeeper who assisted with learning videos to the team.
Laura notes that;
“The lads had a fantastic time at IMYB and made some great friends from all over the world. They are already looking forward to competing again next year iif possible n Turkey and seeing everyone again. The experience has inspired them even more, and they’re now starting a young beekeepers’ group where they hope to encourage and teach other young people about bees and beekeeping. Thank you to all the organisers and volunteers for making it such a memorable and enjoyable event.”