Mr. Brian Halton - a man who gave much to business and farming

The death of Brian Halton, Corlurgan, Bailieboro, on July 2nd marks the passing of a man who made a huge input to both business and agriculture in County Cavan. Brian who had just turned 66 passed away in the presence of his family having courageously battled against illness over the previous months. A life long Pioneer he was a dedicated member of the PTAA and of the St. Vincent de Paul Society for practically all of his adult life. His passing is an undoubted loss to both organisations in Bailieboro and in east Cavan generally. A man with an astute business brain he was kind and personable, always looking at life from the positive side and of what was achievable rather than what wasn't. His achievement as a business man and subsequently as a leading breeder of pedigree cattle are testament to his sharpness of intellect, vision and courage. Brian was a native of Moynalty and as a young boy attended the Christian Brothers school in Kells receiving an education that would prepare him well for life. On leaving school he served his time in Matthew Traynor's in Bailieboro, one of the town's leading grocery retailers of its day. It was during his years working in Traynor's that he met and fell in love with his wife, Philomena, a girl from nearby Kilmainhamwood. The couple were married in 1970 and went on to raise a wonderful family of two girls and three boys. A man blessed with a natural business acumen Brian aspired to entering business himself one day. His acquisition of Bell's shop in Bailieboro in the early '70s was for him a natural progression on to the business ladder and he quickly showed through his philosophy of hard work and dedication to his customers that success was attainable. He later bought Tierney's (now Harris's) and in an era of change from the traditional shop to more modern shopping trends he established a thriving supermarket on the site. In those years he traded under the Spar franchise and won the national award for being the top shop of the year with Spar. This was a tremendous accolade at the time and was indeed a just reward for his innovative approach to grocery retail sales. He was an early pioneer of the modern supermarket and went on to trade under the "Shop and Save" banner and later as a successful independent retailer, always anxious to give the customer that extra choice and value. He was very committed to the promotion of the business life of Bailieboro and was actively involved in the work of the local chamber of commerce over this period. Brian's background was in farming and he always had a longing to return to his roots in agriculture and so after a successful career in the supermarket business he opted to move to farming in the mid 80s when a substantial agricultural property came on the market at Corlurgan, Bailieboro. Even at that time Brian had a vision of developing something special in terms of his new farming enterprise. While initially going into beef he was, nevertheless, focused on building up his own pedigree herd. He introduced the highly regarded Charolais first but after working with them for a relatively short time was drawn to that other dynamic French breed, the Salers. Brian having been reared on a farm was from an early age au fait with the different qualities that make up a good quality animal. Brian and Philomena established the Corlurgan Saler herd in 1997 and its success has even surpassed their expectations. The Haltons stock are recognised at all the top shows in Ireland since 2000 when their cow, Jamaique, won the supreme champion award at the R.D.S. Spring Show in Goff's. At last year's Beef Expo the Corlurgan herd claimed three first prize rosettes and their senior cow "Ulena" was crowned the supreme breed champion. During his years building up the Saler herd in Bailieboro Brian visited France many times and studied the breed. He became a familiar figure at leading agricultural shows in France during this period including the Paris Show where he was invited to be a judge a number of times. Brian was first and foremost a family man and his wife, Philomena and their children was very much the centre of his life. He was understandably heart broken by the death of his son, John, in February of this year. A man inspired by a deep and practical Christianity he was dedicated to his faith and committed to his parish. As stated he was a life long Pioneer and was recently awarded his gold pin. He was active in the local branch of St. Vincent de Paul Society a membership of which fitted into his concept of social justice and of providing support to those who required it. He was a familiar figure at weekend Masses and other religious ceremonies in St. Ann's church where he acted as steward; also for his stewarding roles at the blessing of graves. The affection and respect in which Brian was held by the wider community was reflected in the huge turnout at the funeral obsequies. Guards of honour were provided by Bailieboro Pioneers, St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Saler Society of Ireland (of which he was Vice President for many years), cattle judges from north and south of Ireland and the local branch of Fine Gael of which he was a steadfast party member. Brian Halton is survived by his wife, Philomena, children, Ann, Ancilla, Padraic and Seamus; son-in-law Sean, daughter-in-law Tammy and grandson Noah; brothers Charlie, Fartha, Moynalty, Father John Halton, PP, Tempo, Co. Fermanagh and a sister, Mrs. Betty Lynch, Newcastle, Moynalty. Very Rev. John Murphy, PP, was the principal celebrant of the concelebrated Requiem Mass. Other concelebrants included Father John (Brian's brother), Father Felim Kelly and Father Eugene Clarke. The remains had been received at St. Ann's church the previous evening by Father Oliver O'Reilly. The bishop of Kilmore, Bishop Leo O'Reilly was amongst the clergy present. Interment followed Requiem Mass in Bailieboro cemetery.