Cattle call at ’Bridge Mart

The auctioneer’s gavel will resonate around the ring in Sixmilebidge Co-operative Mart on Saturday, August 27, when the premises, closed for the past 18 months, resumes weekly trading once more.
While it’s all systems go as regards preparatory work for the reopening, the management board has appointed Sean Ryan from New Inn, County Galway, as mart manager. He brings the experience of previously running Athenry Mart to the new venture.
Board chairman and local farmer Pat O’Reilly from Rathmore described the workload as challenging but said the board was heartened by the fantastic response locally. He paid tribute to the huge effort made by volunteers to get the mart ready in time. 
“Without the support of the shareholders and volunteers, none of this would be possible.  If we can get the same support from farmers who have cattle to sell, then there is every prospect that the mart can succeed,” he told The Clare Champion.
“The mart will be targeting farmers in County Limerick as well as Clare farmers.  With the new tunnel open and the closure of Rathkeale Mart, Sixmilebridge is a very good option for many farmers in Limerick,” added Mr O’Reilly. 
The board has decided to hold an open evening for shareholders next Wednesday at 8pm. 
Mr O’Reilly explained that the board was anxious to ensure shareholders could see the work that had been done in advance of the opening and that feedback from shareholders would be useful. 
“There is no doubt that there is a need for this mart.  The Saturday sale suits a lot of part-time farmers and, of course, we are hopeful that there will be plenty of buyers from all over the country.  The new manager will be working very hard to ensure there are good customers for all the cattle. 
“The support from the local business community has also been very welcome. I think that shows the mart was important to the local economy in the past and can be again in the future,” he acknowledged.
Board secretary Eddie Punch from Cratloe said it was still possible to buy shares and he encouraged anyone interested to contact committee members.  “The plan is to minimise borrowings,” he said.
The facility closed in December 2009 and Golden Vale Marts blamed a decline in animal throughput as the reason. At the time, around 7,000 cattle were being sold annually and the new committee accepts a throughput of 10,000 animals will be required if the takeover is to be a success.
The mart was farmer-driven when it first opened for business in 1973 and traded as Bunratty Farmers’ Export Mart. Sold to Golden Vale Marts in 1986, it is now back in the control of the farming fraternity. It was purchased earlier this year for €300,000 after the finance was raised through a shares initiative.
Mr Punch outlined that the first sale will cover dry cows, bullocks and heifers and the first weanling sale will be held on the following Saturday, September 3. A special show and sale of weanlings is planned for September 17 and a fat stock show and sale is scheduled for October 8.
Booking in of cattle is strongly advised, he pointed out, and bookings are taken on the Monday before the sale on 061 290751. 
The members of the nine-man management of Sixmilebridge Mart Board are Pat O’Reilly (chairman), Eddie Punch (secretary), Mike Ryan, Sean Hannon, Joe O’Connell, Andrew Dundas, Gerard Liddy, Pat Freeman and Tom O’Connor.