‘We were working to a plan from day one’ - Muiris O’Donoghue

THERE was an air of depression over all the country during the mid-1980s with lots of young people were heading for England and particularly to the US for employment. It was hard to borrow money and interest rates soared reaching almost 20% during one three month period. In such circumstances developments that in other times seem ordinary take on a new significance. They represent hope and optimism for the future and a confidence in the present. So when the idea and feasibility of building a mart in Cahersiveen was floated it was as if everyone in the community wished for a positive outcome.

Initial estimates and costings done with help from Maurice Colbert and Denis Cournane indicated that within certain financial boundaries a livestock mart could be successfully established and operated. A choice now needed to be made: do nothing and watch things happen, or do something and at least influence what would happen. Following discussions at a public meeting it was concluded that every effort should be made to establish a livestock mart for Iveragh close to Cahersiveen.

A co-op was registered and the ability and assistance of individuals from every parish were harnessed for the all-important share drive. The success of the share drive was due to the respect and standing the canvassers had in their own communities and also the desire of the wider public to support progress and local economic activity. A commitment to pay a dividend in the first year which was to be decided by shareholders thereafter was also important.

Following the successful share drive the next challenge was to secure the grant aid that was necessary for the construction. We were working to a plan. Share capital strengthened our case in seeking grant aid and the two together strengthened our case in seeking the necessary bank borrowings that made up the final part of the budget. Two of Cahersiveen’s sons: Dr Jerome O Shea, former Kerry footballer and then a senior official in the Department of Agriculture, and John O Donoghue - then newly elected TD - were of invaluable assistance to us and eventually the necessary grant was secured.

Mossie O Sullivan of Valentia was Secretary of the mart committee during all this period and all the members played an active part in discussion and decision making. When the mart opened in August, 1988 there was a great sense of common purpose and achievement in town and countryside alike. Castleisland Co-op mart and Iveragh turf Co-op sent staff, assistance and expertise to get the sales successfully completed in the early weeks.

Thirty years have passed since those early days. The mart today organises the sale and marketing of about €6 million worth of livestock a year and the services provided have become so accepted that one would almost think that it was always there.

Muiris is Treasurer of Iveragh Mart, and the only founding member on the current board

At the annual Bulls and Bullocks Spring Show Sale were Paudie Currant best Lot of Store Bullocks with Chairman Nially O Shea.

Iveragh Mart’s longest serving director/committee member Muiris O’Donoghue at Iveragh Mart, Cahersiveen.