Preparations are underway for Aurivo Ballinrobe Mart’s inaugural spring show and sale, spearheaded by its newly appointed assistant manager, Teresa Gibsey.
The Mayo-based livestock mart, armed with the support of local sponsors, will play host to the event on Wednesday, March 15th, 2023, in conjunction with its weekly general cattle sale, with classes as follows:
- Bullock class single: 1st and 2nd prize;
- Heifer class single: 1st and 2nd prize;
- Best pair of bullocks: 1st and 2nd prize;
- Best pair of heifers: 1st and 2nd prize;
- Weanling bull single class: 1st and 2nd prize;
- Weanling heifer single class: 1st and 2nd prize;
- Cow class – 1st and 2nd prize.
All cattle are to be penned by 9:30 am with judging to commence at 10 am.
Sponsors:
- That’s Farming’s sister company, Corrib Oil;
- McHale Farm Machinery;
- Sweeney Oil;
- Ballinrobe Credit Union,
- Homeland;
- Paddy Fitzgerald Agri Supplies;
- Ballinrobe Plant and Tool Hire;
- Ballinrobe Racecourse;
- Michael Heneghan Butchers;
- Nutrias;
- JJ Walsh Agri Contractors;
- Caoimhin Galvin Veterinary.
Ballinrobe Mart
Speaking to That’s Farming’s editor, Catherina Cunnane, about the initiative, Gibsey explained:
“I suggested this event to our current manager, Tom McGuire, and he was very happy to get the motion in place for the event.”
“We decided to host a show and sale as a token of appreciation for our sellers and buyers for their support.”
“We decided to get local businesses involved and invited them all to have a stand and be present for photographs as professional photographer, Chloe Goggins, will be there to capture some of the moments.”
“Our sponsors were delighted to get on board, and we are incredibly grateful. There will be buyers’ tokens on the day – all buyers will be entered in for a draw,” she added.
“This is a first for Ballinrobe, and we hope it will be an annual event going forward. We can take bookings at any time – just contact our office at 094-9541140.”
‘Exceptional’ trade
Gibsey reported that the west of Ireland-based mart has experienced an increase in the number of buyers and livestock in recent weeks on the back of “an exceptional trade nationwide”.
“Livestock auctioneer, Ray Clarke, has also noted he is almost finding it difficult to get parking on Wednesdays with vehicles around,” she told Cunnane.
“I believe our forthcoming show and sale will be a great opportunity for me to get familiar with local farmers, sellers, buyers, and local businesses.”
“I am looking forward to my new position within Aurivo Co-Op and hope that I can expand the horizon for Ballinrobe Mart and maybe inspire some young people to get involved in the livestock mart sector,” she concluded.
That’s Farming understands that Gibsey will be promoted to the position of manager of Aurivo Ballinrobe Mart in autumn 2023 as part of its “proactive” approach to succession planning and talent development.
