Athenry News & Views Winter 2025

Athenry News & Views

Before the Athenry Co-operative Livestock Mart opened its gates in 1961, cattle and sheep trading in the town took place on the streets, scenes that were often chaotic, muddy, and difficult to manage. The creation of the Mart marked the beginning of a new era for local agriculture, one defined by order, hygiene and professionalism. Clean streets replaced the crowded fair days of old and it wasn’t long before the town recognised the benefits of having a dedicated, well-run livestock sales centre at its heart. In its first year, the mart recorded a turnover of just £40,000. A modest start that reflected both the cautious optimism and the pioneering spirit of its founders. But within two decades, that same spirit had transformed Athenry Mart into one of the great success stories of rural Ireland. By 1985, turnover had soared to an impressive £31.27 million, placing the Athenry Co-operative among the top 150 companies in Ireland. Much of the credit lies with the sixteen visionary farmers who, back in 1959, came together with a shared vision, to create a better and fairer system for local farmers to sell their livestock. Athenry Co-Operative Mart marked a new era for farming in the 1960s

Their foresight, determination and commitment not only reshaped farming in the region but also secured Athenry’s reputation as one of the country’s leading agricultural hubs. Irish Farmers Association President T.J. Maher cuts the tape to open the Athenry Co-Operative Mart Restaurant with Padraic Raftery, Tommy Fahy, Canon James Gibbons P.P. and Kevin Dooley.

Sheep Sale at Athenry Co-Operative Mart Ltd. Photo: Steve Scott

Athenry Co-Operative Livestock Mart Ltd. Founding Committee members: Back Row: Willie Burke, Tommy Maher, Joe Higgins, Paddy Fitzpatrick, Enda Ryan, Tommy Keane (Abbeyknockmoy), Tommy Haverty, Tommy Keane (Derrydonnell), Seamus Hoade, Frank Curran (Prospect), Larry Fox, Paddy Forde, Frank Curran (Farnablake). Front Row: Claude Michell, John Joe Murphy, Eugene Duggan, Padraic Raftery, Martin O’Donnell, Colm Hillard and Tommy Monaghan. (Missing from photo John McGrath)