Sixmilebridge Co-op Mart in Co. Clare is celebrating a milestone: 15 years since people came together to purchase their local livestock mart and reopen the sales facility.

Mass will be celebrated at the mart on Thursday, August 27, at 7:00p.m by Fr. Harry Bohan, and a special 15-year anniversary beef show and sale will take place at the mart on Saturday, August 29.

Speaking to Agriland, mart manager Joe Clune explained how the purchase of the facility by the large group of people came about.

He outlined how Fr. Bohan had "a big involvement in the reopening of the mart 15 years ago".

"He was the local parish priest at the time.

"He has retired since but he is coming back to say mass at the mart," Clune said.

The mart was purchased by the group of people from Golden Vale Co-operative Marts (GVM) in 2011 after GVM had made a business decision to close Sixmilebridge Mart in December 2009.

Local farmers and stakeholders in the agricultural community of the region were concerned at the closure of the facility and the possible dereliction of the premises and so set about putting a plan in place to reopen the local amenity.

Throughout 2010 and 2011, there were several meetings held in the Sixmilebridge region chaired by Fr. Bohan with the help of several other key people in the local region.

A committee was formed and set about gathering money. A total of 630 people contributed €500 each.

Contributions came from local people in the region from both urban and rural backgrounds.

Co-op mart

The first sale at the mart under the new ownership status was on August 27, 2011.

The mart was originally managed by Sean Ryan and is currently managed by Joe Clune.

There are approximately 20 people employed at the livestock mart, with several of these being employed on a part-time basis.

A Board of Management was put in place to manage the opening of the mart, which Clune says is now "in a good position".

It has been reinvesting in improving safety and the facilities at the sales venue since.

"The support from the Board of Management, shareholders, customers, sellers and staff has been key to this success story.

"The mart was opened to provide a service to the local community and to bring business and employment to the area," Clune said.

Sixmilebridge Mart hosts a weekly general cattle sale every Saturday as well as a seasonal Thursday evening calf sale.

The mart hosts special sales of pedigree and commercial cattle from time to time also.