Thomas Lyons A “monster auction” is set to take place next month to raise funds for the future development of Mountbellew Mart in Co. Galway. Organised by Friends of Mountbellew Mart, the auction will also fund community projects associated with the east Galway mart. The event will be held on bank holiday Monday, May 1, at 12 noon, with online bidding available through MartEye. The auction will offer a wide range of lots, including livestock, agricultural supplies, fuel, fodder, farm machinery, services, gift vouchers, event tickets, and household goods. Oliver Noone, from Mountbellew Mart, stated that they are counting on the community’s support, as the bigger the turnout, the better the day, and the more raised for the mart at the heart of the community.
Mountbellew Mart has been running weekly livestock sales since 1989 and provides a vital social outlet for both the farming and local communities. It is also a significant economic boost for the locality. Mountbellew Mart is the venue for the Farmers’ Yards pilot scheme, a University of Galway initiative which is hoping to develop into a national social organisation for the farming community. The mart is also home to Mountbellew Men’s Shed, Galway Teleworks (GTCO), Galway’s Living Bog Interpretive Centre, and the Mountbellew Heritage and Tourism Network. The Mountbellew Vintage Club Annual Vintage Show takes place at the mart grounds, and the Mountbellew Agricultural Show is administered from the GTCO offices.
Padhraic Dilleen, manager of Arrabawn Co-op Mountbellew, stated that Mountbellew Mart is a great asset for the greater community of Mountbellew. It brings a lot of people to the town, especially on mart days. Dilleen added that their business thrives on Saturdays owing to the huge sheep sale that takes place.
Mountbellew Mart reopened for business in February following a decision by the president of the High Court to restore its licence. The court was told that €183,000 had been raised in the local community to clear a “deficit” at the mart due to historical debt relating to the years 2011 to 2012, and that this sum would be held in the account to ensure it remained in credit. The Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA) had brought legal proceedings against the mart in relation to irregularities which it had identified following an audit.
Anyone wishing to donate an item for the auction can contact the mart office for more information. The event is expected to be a great success, with a significant turnout anticipated from the local community. The funds raised will be used to ensure the continued success of Mountbellew Mart and to support community projects associated with the east Galway mart.
Overall, the “monster auction” is an excellent opportunity for the community to come together to support a vital local institution. Mountbellew Mart is not only an economic boost for the area, but it is also a social outlet for the farming and local communities. The auction will offer a wide range of lots, ensuring that there is something for everyone. The event is expected to be a great success, and the funds raised will help to ensure the continued success of Mountbellew Mart for years to come.
