Country Market launches in time for Christmas

Anewcountry market has been launched in Ballyjamesduff, and just in time for Christmas.

Located at the Ballyjamesduff Market House Square, the first market took place last Saturday, December 5, having been previously postponed due to Coronavirus restrictions.

It follows investment by the Ballyjamesduff Community Council, which recently drew down funding to purchase and safely store 10 3x3 metre marquees.

It's intended that the market will be a weekly event, operating from 9am to 3pm.

Organisers hope the initiative, which seeks to support and promote local produce, will assist in bringing additional commerce into the town at weekends.

Ballyjamesduff, like many historic market towns, once hosted regular fairs and markets.

The Market House, outside which the new Country Market is taking place, was built in 1813. Its main function at the time was to operate as an exchange centre for the surrounding rural area, and also a social hub.

The original markets in Ballyjamesduff were agricultural fairs, which ceased in 1967.

“The popularity of local country markets fell in Ireland due to the drastic decline of production and purchasing power during the great famine. However, today the tradition of local country markets is being steadily re-established,” say the market's organisers. They add that locally grown food tends to be of “higher quality” and local arts and crafts allow a community to celebrate their unique culture. “In light of COVID-19 we want to introduce a safe, socially spacious and ventilated event for Ballyjamesduff residents to come together and support one another throughout this pandemic.”

Stalls at the Country Market cost €10. Vendor Application forms are available from https://forms.gle/WQXUYLkbF9EALeLc6 or by emailing teachsolais.bjd@gmail.com

Alternatively, visit facebook.com/ballyjamesduffcountrymarket.