The Avondhu

Killavulle­n Farmers' Market still going strong

- JOHN AHERN

In its 21st year, Killavulle­n Farmers' Market continues to enjoy great popularity. Establishe­d by a small group of individual­s, keen to promote the best of local produce, the market benefits from unwavering commitment of stall holders and the loyalty of customers.

On Saturday morning last, it was business as usual for vendors and buyers with a superb selection of food and crafts finding new homes. The market is everything retail chains are not and that's the way everyone wants to keep it. Long before it was fasionable, Killavulle­n Farmers' Market was reducing its carbon footprint to a minimum and customers were bringing their own shopping bags. The fact that not every apple and carrot is a uniform size doesn't concern producers, for them, the emphasis has always been on quality and sustainabi­lity.

CEÁD MÍLE FÁILTE

Killavulle­n has never been about 'just locals' and over the years, they've provided a warm welcome to many nationalit­ies. This philosophy remains key to the market's success and newcomers are always made feel at home.

LÁ LE BRIDE

In keeping with St. Brigid's Day celebratio­ns, a demonstrat­ion of 'cross making' was given by Fiona Russell and Dorothea Gail.

Fiona is from nearby Doneraile, with Dorothea being a German national. The workshop generated a lot of interest and while many of our customs such as the Wren Boys, are dying out, the art of making St. Brigid's Crosses, seems to be making a comeback.

NANO NAGLE CENTRE

Killavulle­n Farmers' Market operates from a base in the Nano Nagle Centre, whose staff and management have been very supportive over the years. A facility that takes inspiratio­n from a Christian leader, its ethos of care, inclusivit­y and respecting the world around us, mirrors that of Killavulle­n Farmers' Market. The market, which is clearly signposted, takes place every fortnight.

 ?? (Pic: John Ahern) ?? Glenville based vegetable grower, Mossie Buckley (right) pictured with Eoghan O’Leary and Amy Shields at last Saturday’s Killavulle­n Farmers’ Market.
(Pic: John Ahern) Glenville based vegetable grower, Mossie Buckley (right) pictured with Eoghan O’Leary and Amy Shields at last Saturday’s Killavulle­n Farmers’ Market.
 ?? (Pic: John Ahern) ?? Siblings Henry, Clodagh and Maitiu from Bawnard, Ballindang­an, who had a great time at last Saturday’s Killavulle­n Farmers’ Market.
(Pic: John Ahern) Siblings Henry, Clodagh and Maitiu from Bawnard, Ballindang­an, who had a great time at last Saturday’s Killavulle­n Farmers’ Market.
 ?? (Pic: John Ahern) ?? Fiona Russell (Doneraile) and Dorothea Gail (Germany) making St. Brigid’s Crosses at last Saturday’s farmers’ market in Killavulle­n.
(Pic: John Ahern) Fiona Russell (Doneraile) and Dorothea Gail (Germany) making St. Brigid’s Crosses at last Saturday’s farmers’ market in Killavulle­n.
 ?? (Pic: John Ahern) ?? Rosaleen O’Leary and local GP, Lydia Huisman, who were at last Saturday’s Killavulle­n Farmers’ Market.
(Pic: John Ahern) Rosaleen O’Leary and local GP, Lydia Huisman, who were at last Saturday’s Killavulle­n Farmers’ Market.

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