Markethill Livestock Mart has announced that it is unable to host its annual Christmas show and sale in its normal form this year.
The annual event has become renowned, not only for the outstanding quality of livestock on display, but also the tremendous amount of money raised for local charities.
Each year, following its Christmas show and sale of beef cattle and prime lambs, a charity auction takes place. Items, donated by local businesses, go under the hammer with proceeds from the sale donated to a chosen charity.
Sales have been taken place in Markethill for over 65 years, serving Armagh, Down, Tyrone and Fermanagh. The mart moved to its current premises in 2013 and hosts cattle and sheep sales weekly.
£240,000 raised in 7 years
“An incredible £240,000.00 has been raised over the last 7 years. We are continually humbled by the generosity of our farming community and staff year in year out!”
“However, 2020 has been the year of ‘not-normals’ and unfortunately, we are unable to run our event this year in its normal form.”
“Therefore, on Sat, November 21st, 2020 at our store sale we will be accepting entries of show cattle. All buyers’ commissions from the day will be donated to this year’s charity, Children’s Heartbeat Trust.”
“A prize fund will be on offer on the day and we have a few other things up our sleeve! Keep an eye on our Facebook page this week for more details!” the mart said on social media.
Charity
Children’s Heartbeat Trust supports families of children and young people with heart disease in Northern Ireland.
On the website, the charity states: “our work helps children and young people with heart disease, and their families, live full and empowered lives; informed about their heart condition, but not overwhelmed by it”.
The charity has been in operation since 1984, offering youth and family support services, funding research and campaigning for the “voice of children, young people and their families to be at the heart of all congenital cardiac services”.
