All Ireland Farmer’s Market this Sunday

ENNISCORTHY is once again set to host the finals of the All-Ireland Farmers’ Market which this year takes place in conjunction with a spectacular re-enactment day marking the 220th anniversary of the 1798 Rising.

Both events take place on Sunday next, June 17, though activities associated with both will also take place on Saturday, June 16, with re-enactment activities.

The All-Ireland Farmers’ Market will carry a prize fund of €3,500 with the winner receiving a cheque for €2,000 plus a magnificent Waterford Crystal trophy while the runner up will receive a cheque for €1,000 and the third placed entrant a cheque for €500, all money being sponsored by Enniscorthy Municipal Authority and Wexford County Council.

Enniscorthy is staging the All Ireland Farmers’ Market for the 11th year and food producers from all over Ireland will be in town to compete for the honour and award of being Ireland’s Best Artisan Food Producer. Participants must already be trading/selling their produce in a Farmers’ Market, on a regular basis, in order to be eligible to compete in the All Ireland which is designed to showcase all that is good in home produced food.

Each entry will be independently judged by a three member panel of judges, all of whom are recognised as market leaders in the food industry. They are Paul Hynes of the award winning La Cote Restaurant in Wexford, Jean Quigley, Food Critic and TV Food pundit and Mairead Lavery from The Irish Farmers Journal who is widely respected as one of Ireland’s leading food critics.

An Bord Bia, The Irish Food Board, is backing this year’s All Ireland Farmers’ Market and is contributing significantly to the cost of hosting the event in Enniscorthy on June 17.

While the main event will take place on Re-Enactment Day, many of the participating food producers will be part of the normal Farmers’ Market In Enniscorthy, on Saturday, June 16. Judging of the various entries will commence at 10 a.m. on Sunday morning and the winning entries are expected to be announced at 4 p.m. on Sunday afternoon when South East Radio will be on hand to interview the winner and runners-up.

A major programme of entertainment is being organised around the All Ireland Farmers’ Market with a particular emphasis on children’s’ entertainment.

Music will be provided throughout the day, craft stall holders will be in attendance and many non-competing food producers will also be on site in Abbey Square selling all types of delicious food.

A carousel is being provided as part of the entertainment programme for young children and a number of face-painters will also be in attendance so this is a great family fun day out.