Official Opening of Ballinasloe Country Market

10/02/2012

Ballinasloe Country Market was officially opened this morning by Senator Michael Mullins. The Town Hall was full of excitement, local media were present and Market Chairman Mags O'Gorman was interviewed by Galway Bay FM, before the ribbon cutting ceremony

Ballinasloe are our most recent branch market and they started out just before Christmas with about 30 members. Their weekly market is held every Friday in the Town Hall from 9.30am–2pm.

Visit to Naas.

03/02/2012.
On Friday I visited the Naas branch, where they celebrate 60 years in business later this month. The weekly market takes place in their beautiful Town Hall in the town centre. There are approx 27 active members, many of whom are long serving members. They have continued to adapt to the changing times, and welcome new members, knowing that this is the key to staying in business.

With over 20,000 people living in Naas, choice is endless when it comes to buying food, it takes work to keep business coming through those doors. Customer service is important to the members. Small gestures like homemade sweets given out on Valentine’s, Mother’s and Father’s Day let the customers know they are valued.

Themed days where certain produce is showcased, are also a feature of the market. These days often tie in with events in the area, eg Confirmation, Holy Communion, so customers know they can buy wonderful savouries or beautiful desserts for their special occasion.

Members are also vigilant about keeping the standards set all those years ago, and maintain an excellent variety of produce.

Media Update.

01/02/2012
Aoife Carrigy, a freelance food, wine and travel writer spoke about Country Markets on The Morning Show on TV3 today, about the newfound interest in homebaking. Having lost a generation to the delights and smells of Victoria sponges, perfect pastry and butterfly buns, homebaking is now on the rise. There are several cookery schools and baking acadamies offering specialised courses.

Country Markets was mentioned as a possible outlet for those who felt they had reached a high enough standard to sell their produce. Aoife also made the point that members are encouraged to add variety to their market, rather than duplicating produce already available.