30 years of memories and quality at Iveragh

On Tuesday last, over 400 people descended on Iveragh Mart for a memorable 30-year celebration. The day started off with an anniversary show sale for weanlings and general cattle and sheep sale, followed by a special anniversary Mass and BBQ .

The day looked back on the culmination of over three decades’ hard work and dedication in making the dream of a Mart in Cahirciveen a reality. “We had a great day” said Mike Kissane, Mart Manager. “There was a nostalgic feel of old friends reuniting. We were thrilled so many youth attended, as they are our future” added Mike.

The sale itself was a huge success with over 300 cattle and a further 300 sheep. “We had a 90 per cent clearance of stock and great prices; our weanling bulls were very strong at €2.50 to €2.60 per kilogramme.”

Iveragh Mart can be very proud of its 30-year journey in which time it has grown to become a mart of renown in the region. “I want to pay tribute to our staff; our current and past committee members; and, of course, the public who supported us over the last three decades. I want to particularly thank both our buyers and sellers of livestock” said Mike. “We are a rural area on the edge of the Peninsula, with increased haulage costs, but we have something different; we have quality cattle. People come back for the quality and breeding of our livestock, as well as the great personal relationships built up through the years” he added.

“The Mass was very special, We were delighted to have in attendance families of our deceased members, it was these stalwarts who ensured the mart dream became a reality”

Reminiscing back 30 years, Mike recalls how for the first 12 months, when the mart opened, you couldn’t draw a leg in – last Tuesday was the very same. Iveragh Mart is now part of everyday life in South Kerry and has embedded its own reputation. Mike Kissane, current Mart Manager, has secured a place in history as being the only mart manager in the Country who has been serving a mart since its first day. “Success also brings with it ambition, and everyone at Iveragh Mart is determined to see the mart through to the next chapter in its story,” said Mike.

RIGHT: Members of the Mart committee at the 30th anniversary show and sale.

Photo by Valerie O’Sullivan. John O’Sullivan, Dromid (front) waiting for the right price, with Nellie Fitzpatrick in the background.

Photo by Valerie O’Sullivan Jeremiah O’Sullivan, Cahernahone, and Tim Coffey, Beaufort, at the 30th anniversary of Iveragh Mart.