ICSA lament closure of Cootehill Mart

Cavan Chair Philip Maguire described the closure as a “major blow” to local farmers in the Cavan, Monaghan and north Meath areas.

The ICSA says that farmers are in shock after learning of the closure of Station Road mart in Cootehill.

Cavan Chair Philip Maguire described the closure as a “major blow” to local farmers in the Cavan, Monaghan and north Meath areas.

“Together with their team, Jimmy and Carmel O’Reilly ran a great business with a huge weekly sheep sale and large cattle sales at peak times. It is very sad to see this come to an end,” said Mr Maguire.

“Marts around the country provide a level of transparent and open competition for livestock and give farmers a realistic view of what livestock are making. Indeed, recent trends have seen the marts provide significant gains for many farmers over selling direct to factories. The closure of any mart is not good for competition in the trade, so it is crucial that we all continue to support our local marts,” he added.

Apart from the important commercial considerations, marts Mr Maguire continued, provide a “vital social facility” for farming people, some of whom have no other social outlet. “Many local farmers would have been anxiously waiting to get back around the Cootehill ring upon the easing of Covid restrictions, and it’s a real shame that this can’t happen now,” he said.

“I would like to thank Jimmy, Carmel and all the staff for the fantastic service they have provided over the years and wish them all the very best for the future.”