Killavullen Farmers Market returns for its 20th year

KATIE GLAVIN

After an extended break, the Killavullen Farmers’ Market are ready to get back in business this weekend and will reopen to greet the public on Saturday, April 17.

While the market normally reopens at the end of February following the winter break, Ciaran Cotter of Killavullen Farmers’ Market notes that this year, organisers held off on reopening for a little longer due to the pandemic.

“With what’s been going on, we waited a bit longer this year but some of our older stallholders and more vulnerable people are vaccinated now, so we are eager to get back,” he said.

The fortnightly market, which takes place in the peaceful surroundings of the Nano Nagle Centre in the Blackwater Valley, is also to see a number of changes this time around.

Funding to the tune of €1,500 was allocated to the market from the Avondhu Blackwater Partnership towards the end of last year, which has seen the purchase of 10 gazebos to enable the market to go ahead outdoors.

“All the stallholders will be outdoors in the car park and grassy areas around the Nano Nagle Centre. The funding has allowed us to buy gazebos, so we can operate safely outdoors which is greatly appreciated,” Ciaran added.

Now in its 20th year, the popular Saturday market will also see a number of new features, as well as regular stallholders this weekend. A welcome favourite, Rodger, will be on-site selling his own flowers, herbs and plants, while newcomer, The Coffee House Fermoy, will be selling their handmade chocolates and their own roasted coffee.

Unique to the Killavullen Farmers Market is the KOB (Killavullen Organic Buyers grouping) where you can order bulk foods and household supplies at discounted prices.

As always, the market will host a variety of locally grown seasonal vegetables, handcrafted baked goods, Arbutus breads, jams, chutneys, cordials and a fine selection of meat, smoked salmon, yoghurts and so on.

Stallholders will be fully compliant with all Covid-19 regulations and are looking forward to meeting newcomers, as well as catching up with their much-missed regulars.

The Killavullen Farmers’ Market have also now set up their own Instagram account to keep fans, followers and regulars updated.

(Pic: The Avondhu Archive) BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS IN 2008: Deputy leader of the Green Party, Mary White T.D., cutting the cake at the 6th anniversary celebrations of the farmers’ market in Killavullen in 2008, in the presence of stall holders and supporters.