Many horse breeders struggling to make it pay
MANY horse breeders are struggling to make the business of breeding horses pay, the IFA’s deputy president Brian Rushe has warned and added that many foals are being sold below the cost of production.
Farmers should be conscious that horse breeding is a highly skilled and a high-cost business that is very challenging for those already in the sector, particularly at the middle to lower end, he said.
“While there are some very successful ventures at the elite end, many breeders of thoroughbreds and commercial sport horses that I know are struggling to make it pay,” he said. “The message I would be getting is that Ireland already risks breeding too many foals, particularly at the middle and lower end of the market,” he said.
“The Minister should be looking to do more for people currently breeding horses rather than encouraging more people to breed foals which could undermine the supply and demand balance in the sector,” he said.
“In the last economic downturn, the horse sector took a huge hit. With the current challenges in the general economy, the sector could come under increased pressure again,” he said. “There is a trend here of Green Party ministers encouraging people to change their farming practices to niche activities which have very fragile markets,” he said.
Farmers that already have the experience and expertise in horse breeding and horse rearing must be supported as a first step, he added.
BALLYMOTE Heritage Group’s visit to Emlaghfad Church and Graveyard during National Heritage Week was an outstanding success. The speakers were the Keash archaeologists, Martin and Mary Timoney.
Martin focused on the medieval history of the site, its reputed association with St Colmcille, the archetecture of the church and the raised ground indicating an outer defensive perimeter with bastions.
Mary discussed and demonstrated aspects of the box tombs and the masons who designed and manufactured them.
Anyone who is interested in this topic may access an article by Mary Timoney entitled ‘Diamond Memorials at Emlaghfad, Co. Sligo’ in issue No. 29 of the Corran Herald, Pages 22 to 26. The photos of the inscriptions and much of the material presented by the speaker are included. Issues one to 54 of the Corran Herald can now be accessed online.
Ballymote Heritage Group are indebted to the officials and workers of Sligo County Council who ensured that the site was suitably prepared for the occasion.
WELL-KNOWN family business Topline Rogers in Ballymote had cause for celebration this week with news that their online business mybuildingsupplies.ie is a finalist in the Irish e-Commerce Awards for 2022. This competition recognises the very best websites in Irish business and is judged by industry experts from across the country. The Rogers family have been in business in Ballymote since the 1870s and went online in 2019, offering building materials and supplies to customers throughout Ireland along with their local customer base.
When the Covid pandemic hit they were ideally placed to serve the needs of a population stuck at home and have continually invested in the development of their website and launched a brand new website in 2021. Directors Micheál and Padraic Rogers credit their team with their online success. “We are extremely proud of this recognition and so thankful to our dedicated colleagues who make the whole operation successful.
“This recognition is a reflection on our fantastic logistics and yard team right through to our marketing and digital department – and everyone in between.
We have been in business here in Ballymote for generations and are delighted to bring this expertise and friendly approach to business to a national audience.” Mybuildingsupplies.ie has over 10,000 products available and has a new account service designed for trades people and self-builders to get discounts and savings.
THE Border Game, a co-production from Prime Cut Productions and Lyric Theatre Belfast, starring Patrick McBrearty and Cat Barter, will be performed at the Hawk’s Well Theatre on September 21. The play is a timely and powerful reflection on 100 years of the border and how it has impacted those who live along it.
The piece is inspired by 100 testimonies collected by the writers from real people living all over the 300-miles of the border. Writer, Michael Patrick says: “It is a pleasure to bring The Border Game to the Republic of Ireland as part of our all-island tour. “With this piece, which focuses on ex-lovers from opposite sides of the Fermanagh-Leitrim border and of the religious divide, we hope to evoke a sense of the politics in the area and of the cumulative experiences of real people who have lived along it.” Co-writer, Oisín Kearney adds: “We are delighted to bring The Border Game Back on tour to the Republic of Ireland. “Patrick delivered a compelling performance during last year’s run in and this year, we are excited to welcome Cat Barter to the role of Sinead, our female lead.
“We are also elated to be working with Emma and Jimmy on this year’s performance.”
The play centres around estranged couple, Sinead (Barter) and Henry (McBrearty) who discuss their past as they attempt to mend a fence in a borderland field next to an old customs hut. What begins as a simple task soon turns to talk of their past, a reliving of old memories, and a relentless competition to come out on top.
Tickets for this event are €15 or €12 concesison. An additional €1 renovation fee will also be added to tickets which are available from the Hawk’s Well Theatre Box Office on 071 916 1518 or www. hawkswell.com.
Niamh Doherty taks a break to feed her son, Seamus, whil her husband, Stephen and Seamie O’Dowd keep the music going at Dancing at the Coolock Croosroads.
BALLYMOTE
The CCÉ Paddy Killoran Festival 2022 will be held on the weekend of September 18 in Ballymote. Events will include a concert, music session trail and singing session. Details to be confirmed. Email - ballymote@ comhaltas.net.
Every Friday from 9pm to 5pm in the Family Resource Centre. Call 071 9197818 to book a place.
Every Wednesday from 10am until 12 in the Family Resource Centre. Call 071 9197818.
Play Therapy takes place on Monday and Thursdays between 9am and 5pm in the Family Resource Centre.
Ballymote FRC are in the process of setting up a friendly call service open to people living in the area who would like to receive a weekly call from one of our volunteers to check in and say hi. If you are interested in receiving this service please give us a call at 071 9197818.
The Family Resourcce Centre has a fully equipped sensory room at the centre which is available for use by any families with children who experience sensory issues. Use of the room is free and limited to single family units. To book please call 071 9197818.
Every Thursday from 2.30pm to 4.30pm in the Family Resource Centre. Call Paul at 0861990478 to book a place. a place.
This conversation hour in the Family Resource Centre is aimed at anyone who wants to practice speaking English.
It will be running every Wednesday from 2pm to 3pm. Call 071 9197818 to book a place.
The walking group leaves from Ballymote FRC from 10.30am and returns at 11.30am every Tuesday. Call 071 9197818 to book a place.
Free food packages are available under the FEAD program for people on low incomes.
Drop into the cenre, call 0719197818 or email ballymotefrc@ gmail.com for more detail
DROP IN IT CLINIC:A drop in IT clinic will be starting at Ballymote FRC. Anyone needing help with computers, tablets, smartphones, or laptops can drop in to the centre Monday 3.30pm to 4.45pm or Thursday 10am to 12pm. Call 0719197818 for more information. SAFETALK: Safetalk is a half-day in person training program that prepares participants to recognise and engage with people who may be having suicidal thoughts. This training is suitable for anyone who wants to help prevent suicide. Enrolment will be taking place in
August. Call 071-9197818 or email ballymotefrc@gmail.com for more details.
MERVILLE COMMUNITY CENTRE
Merville Community Centre facilitates on behalf of our community the provision to eligible persons of
Social Monitored Pendant Alarms, under the Seniors Alert Scheme that is administered by Pobal. Equipment funding is available for eligible persons over 65 years for the installation of an monitored alarm on a landline in the person’s home. The alarms are now available for persons aged 65 or older and living alone, living with another person who meets the terms and conditions, living alone for significant periods of time during the day, or is a carer to someone else in their household. First year monitoring is now free for all new applicants.
Subsequent annual monitoring charges are then payable by the user. Contact Merville Centre Office at 071 9150029 for further information.
Limited Spaces are now available for preschool for this coming September. Contact Caroline or Audette at 071-9152022, 086-4424093. Qualifying supports such as The National Childcare Scheme (NCS)
are available, please enquire for further information.
Merville Community Centre reminds all patrons that are asked to exercise caution on accessing the centre when driving in the area for drop-off and pick-up. Please be aware that the car park spaces are limited and may not be available at peak times.
We thank all users for their patience and cooperation in this regard. Think safe.
Local Voluntary and Community Groups are reminded that any notices for publication can be emailed to mervilleycc@gmail.com or hard copy left into the Merville Centre for inclusion in our Local Notes and our Social Media Platforms.
MCR CENTRE
Registrations for places for September 2022 are open for the Afterschool Service commencing in September 2022. Collections provided. For details and registration forms please contact 071 91 46512 or email mcrcommunitycentre@gmail.com
Playgroup enrolling now for September 2022. Open Monday to Friday 9am-1 pm. Free ECCE year and subvention available TUSLA registered/qualified staff, fun fill curriculum Aistear and Siolta programmes. Purpose built