Farmers raise almost €50k at Tullamore Mart for African farm families
Farmers from several counties raised almost €50,000 at Tullamore Mart this week for farming families in Africa.
The farmers from counties - including Offaly, Kildare, Roscommon and Kilkenny - responded to an appeal by Self Help Africa to donate animals for the sale that took place on Monday (September 28).
Co. Offaly livestock farmer Pat Mahon from Blueball near Tullamore, is the founder and driving force behind the farmer-to-farmer charity appeal.
Ronan Scully of Self Help Africa said: "What began six months ago with a simple idea from Offaly farmer Pat Mahon, asking farmers to donate one animal to help farming families in Africa, has become an extraordinary demonstration of generosity, solidarity, loving care and compassion.
"On behalf of Self Help Africa, I want to say one simple but heartfelt word to everyone who made it possible; thank you."
Pat Mahon, his family and friends spent several months contacting farmers, organising donations, arranging transport, and distributing leaflets with the aim of raising as much money for the charity as possible.
"Pat's commitment, humility and determination have been an inspiration," Scully added.
"He has shown what one person can achieve when a good idea is accompanied by hard work and a generous heart."
The charity was bowled over by the level of support from farmers from so many counties who responded to the appeal.
While some farmers donated animals for the sale, others made monetary donations and helped spread the word about the charity campaign.
"Irish farmers understand farming. They understand uncertainty, difficult weather, rising costs, the pressures of markets and the responsibility of trying to provide for a family," Scully added.
"They also understand something equally important: when a neighbour is struggling, you don't simply walk past. You help. That is the spirit behind Midlands Farmers for Africa.
"It is farmers helping farmers. It is rural Ireland reaching across thousands of miles and saying to another farming family, 'we see you. We have not forgotten you. And we want to help'.”
Self Help Africa has said the proceeds, which reach almost €50,000, now represents food, opportunity, agricultural knowledge and resilience for families in Africa.
The charity supports rural communities to build sustainable livelihoods through agricultural training, livestock and veterinary support, climate-smart farming, access to markets, women's enterprise and other practical initiatives.
The philosophy of Self Help Africa is - 'a hand up, not a handout'.
