KANTURK MART CELEBRATES 60 YEARS IN BUSINESS

MART HAS BEEN A FOCAL POINT OF THE COMMUNITY FOR SIX DECADES

“THIS night is a celebration of your support rather than our 60 years in business” Chairman John Cott said as he welcomed the 400 strong crowd that turned out to the Charleville Park Hotel to celebrate a landmark anniversary in the history of Kanturk Mart.

“The large crowd here tonight reflects the support we have had over those sixty years, and even more so during the past twenty” John said. “As Chairman I thank our committee of management, our Manager Seamus O’Keeffe, Colette and the Office Staff, the Yard Staff, Auctioneers and Clerks, a very special thanks for all your hard work and dedication”.

Manager Seamus O’Keeffe noted that the very first sale at the Mart was on Nov. 12th, 1959. “I want to pay tribute to the founding members, for their foresight, determination and ability to take on such a project at a time when money was scarce and Ireland was much different than it is today” Seamus said.

“I want to say a special thank you to the people who put their hands up in the year 2000 and made sure Kanturk would have it’s own Mart serving the farming community and the local economy, without them we would not be celebrating our 60 years here tonight” he said.

Seamus paid special tribute to Chairman John Cott, Vice Chair Joe Noonan, and all staff members who do such great work behind the scenes, as well as Auctioneers, Clerks, Hauliers, Sponsors and loyal customers.

To mark this important milestone, staff produced a Book chronicling the history of the Mart over the past 60 years. “Huge effort has gone into producing this book, I want to say a special thanks to everyone who helped us with photographs, paper cuttings and insights, especially from the earlier years, many of them relatives of the founding members” Seamus said.

Proceeds from sales of the 60th Anniversary Book which was launched by Seán Myers, former member of the Irish Co- Operative Organisation, will go to Dromcollogher Respite Centre and Dogs for the Disabled.

Addressing the large gathering, Canon Toby Bluett said that as he grew up on a farm he was always aware of all the hard work that farmers who supply the Mart do to gain their livelihood from the prices they get for their cattle.

“I am proud of my own family’s connection with the Mart, we have all served the Mart and the Mart has, in turn, served us well. I know about the great and efficient service that is provided for the farmers and the wonderful resource the Mart is for the farming community.

“I wish the Mart every success as it moves forward into the next decades and beyond” Canon Bluett said.

The Mart Committee at the celebration dinner.

Siobhán McSweeney, Blarney, Eileen O’Shaughnessy Buckley, Dermot and Julia McCarthy, Banteer, John and Nellie Angland, Meelin, Kathleen and Ritchie O’Connor, Ballydaly at the Mart Celebration.

Una and John Cott, Seamus and Mary O’Keeffe, Colette and Jimmy O’Connell, and JJ and Jo Curtin.

Chairman John Cott and Manager Seamus O’Keeffe making a presentation to Office Manager Colette O’Connell.

Jerry and Mary Sheahan, Millstreet, enjoying the Kanturk Mart 60th Anniversary celebration.

Chairman John Cott making a presentation to Manager Seamus O’Keeffe at the Kanturk Co-Op Mart 60th anniversary dinner.

Merle and Danny Horan from Dromcollogher at the dinner.