Speech by Minister of State Shane McEntee on the 50th Anniversary of Athenry Mart,

Raheen Woods Hotel, Athenry, Co. Galway on Friday 9th December 2011

I’m delighted to be here with you all this evening at the 50th anniversary celebration of Athenry mart.

Tonight promises to be a pleasant social occasion and an ideal opportunity for old and new friends and supporters of the mart to celebrate and reminisce on the mart’s half century in business.

It is a great tribute to those pioneering individuals who 50 years ago established this very successful rural agri-business. The mart has been a good source of business for local enterprises and has provided vital local employment since its establishment.

Enviable Reputation

With Athenry strategically well situated in the geographical heart of Galway, the mart has attracted farmers from across the county. This is a noted strong livestock area, with buyers coming from across the country, and the mart has gained an enviable reputation for operating one of the best cattle markets in the country.

The successful mart business today is a far cry from when it opened its first sales and brought to an end forever, the era of the fair days in the town.

In the rural Ireland of the early to mid-20th century one of the great traditional country events was the Fair Day. Rural and urban life centred around the monthly cattle, sheep and pig fairs held on the streets of Athenry town.

Old Traditional Fairs

Many of the younger people in the audience may have a romantic picture of going to the fairs, but in reality it was almost always a harsh experience: walking livestock on bad roads, often in darkness and in bad weather, to have them penned for sale in streets at first light, to be followed by a long day waiting around hoping for a good price, and often having to walk stock home again.

Progressive Livestock Mart

That traditional system changed utterly thanks to the endeavours of dedicated local men who ensured that Athenry Co-operative Mart eventually became one of the more progressive livestock marts in Ireland. These individuals in setting up the organisation collected share capital from local farmers. This allowed for the pooling of resources to drive the new venture. There was a good take up of share capital in towns and villages across the county, indicating strong farmer support for the venture.

Continues Its Important Role

The new mart meant farmers could present their animals for sale in very good facilities and receive a cheque for them inside two days. Farmers were also delighted to have a weighing facility. It truly was a milestone in helping the organised development of livestock sales in the county, leading to the successful cattle and sheep sector in Galway currently.

Despite many challenges, Athenry mart continues to play an important role in the cattle traceability system, which is so vital for Ireland to remain competitive in the best markets for our cattle and beef products both at home and abroad. Modern computer facilities allow for an improved level of service to customers. I am confident the mart is equipped to face the challenges of 21st century markets in terms of meeting current and any future requirements for livestock marts.

It is interesting to note that the stock on offer on that opening day 50 years ago was comprised mainly of Herefords and Shorthorns, and a smaller amount of Aberdeen Angus animals. We have seen much change in the breeds of animals since then, with continental cattle now being the breeds of choice among Suckler farmers.

Present, Medium and Long Term Prospects

To focus on the present – this year has been an outstanding one for cattle and beef prices. This is vital of course to allow for an improvement in farm profits, especially on our Suckler farms in Galway who produce the raw ingredient that ensures Irish beef is today listed in more than 70 high end retail chains across EU markets, a higher number than beef of any other origin.

Medium to longer term prospects for the sector are also bright with the FAO/OECD indicating a generally positive global agricultural outlook up to 2020, helped by projected increases in global food demand.

My Department has laid out a clear plan for growth in Agriculture. The Food Harvest 2020 strategy which aims to co-ordinate the expansion of the sector in conjunction with all stakeholders will ultimately benefit farm families though improved profitability.

Outstanding Success for the (Athenry) Town, and County Galway

History has concluded that Athenry mart has been an outstanding success for the town, and county Galway.

The mart continues to go from strength, thanks to the support from farmers from far and wide. Co-operative endeavour among like minded farmers, like the spirit shown fifty years ago will always be needed in agriculture and I would encourage all farmers to work together, which will ultimately help improve the rural economy.

I would like to thank mart manager Alan Barry, his staff, and the committee who are responsible for the efficient running of the business.

My congratulations to you all, and I wish you every success for the next fifty years.