WISDOM OF THE WORLD - WEEK 43

Gandhi’s shoe

Mohandas [Mahatma] Karamchand Gandhi (1869-1948), the great Indian statesman and spiritual leader is noted for his unusual humanity and selflessness, which this story epitomises. One time, during his travels throughout India, Gandhi was waiting at a train station with a number of his companions and followers. When the train arrived, Gandhi moved forward to board, and as he raised his foot to get on, his shoe slipped from his foot and disappeared in the gap between the train and platform. He looked down and realised he would be unable to retrieve it, so he took off his other shoe and threw it down by the first. His companions were very puzzled.
“What are you doing Mahatma?” they asked. “Well, if a poor person finds a single shoe than they are no better off” Gandhi explained. “What's really helpful is if they find a pair.”

CARNDONAGH LIVESTOCK MART - 50 YEARS

On Monday the 2nd of February 2009 the Carndonagh Livestock Mart celebrated their 50th Anniversary. The late P. J. McCarroll, (Jim to those who knew him,) was the local vet who came up with the idea to set up the Mart in 1958. The basis for the mart was that it would be based on co-operative ideals, run by farmers, for farmers, with everyone owning a share of the business. Seven men were elected on to the committee at the initial meeting in Canny’s Hotel on the 15th of July 1958. These They were P.J McCarroll, Chairman, Carndonagh, George Doherty, N.T., Culdaff, Stephen Butler Jr, Carndonagh, James McLaughlin, Muff, Charles Scott, Tulnaree, Michael Deery, Malin, Angus Mills, Culdaff and P.J. O’Doherty, Secretary, Carndonagh.

THE COW PARK
In order to raise the funds for a building the committee decided to sell shares valued at £2 each to local farmers and businessmen. The contract for the erection of the Mart went to the McLaughlin Brothers (The Masons) from Carndonagh, and cost £3,370. Construction was underway in late summer 1958 on the site off of the Main Street in an area known as “The Cow Park”. The new building had room for 250 head of cattle with room for expansion.

OFFICIAL OPENING
The official opening of the Mart took place on the 29th of January 1959 and was performed by Mrs A. Mills from Culdaff, who was the president of the Inishowen Agricultural Society at the time. The Rev. H.A. Weedon, the Rector in Carndonagh spoke at the event, saying, “Let us all, regardless of class or creed, take an interest in it (the Mart). Do not let us say, I am not a farmer and it does not interest me. It does, because farming is vital to this country. It is one of its vital industries.”

The Reverend Weedon also acknowledged the initiative and spirit of the enterprise, in a world where it was fashionable to leave such matters to the state. He praise the committee for taking matters into their own hands and setting up the Mart, commending the local community, saying that Donegal was the “vanguard of progress.”

THE FIRST SALE
The first sale of cattle was held at the Mart on February 2nd 1959 and attracted a lot of interest. Buyers flocked from Derry, Tyrone, Donegal and Sligo. The cattle entries reached a capacity of 216 and included good Aberdeen Agnus crosses, crossbreds, quality springers and finished cattle. Jim McCarroll Sr’s big worry was that no one would turn up for the day with their cattle. But he needn’t have worried as it was a case of “If you build it they will come.”

THE LATEST SALE
The sale on Monday last (February 2nd), began under Campbell Rankin, Muff’s auctioneer, who sold the very first cow at the mart, fifty years ago to the day. Also in attendance were Pat Temple, (who bought the first animal) and Gerard McMonagle, Mart manager for over thirty years. Jim Carroll Jr. (P.J.’s son) opened the day’s celebration speaking of his father’s original dream. Robert Creary, a former mart worker also spoke of how the farmer’s reacted to this new modern method of showing and selling animals.

Comparisons between the first Livestock sale and the 50th sale

2nd of February 1959

Number of animals sold on the day = 216

Cows

The first Cow of Sale sold for £21 and 6 shillings, weighing in at 9.5 cwt. The buyer was Pat Temple.

The top price for a springing cow was £76 sold by Charlie Scott.

Bullocks
Four prime bullocks were sold for prices ranging from £7 and 1 shilling to £7 and 5shillings per cwt and sold by John McColgan, from Corvish, Carndonagh.

Heifer
Robert McEldowney form Glack, Culdaff was a well-known breeder and sold 5 Heifers for the impressive price of £48 and 10 shillings each.


2nd February 2009

Number of animals sold on the day = 263
One difference to note first is that the weights have changed from cwt and pounds to kg and euro…

Cows
The top price paid for a cow and calf was €1710 sold by Martin Doherty to Patrick Houghton.

The top price paid for a fat cow weighing 928kg was sold for €1490 by Irwin McCandless to William Scott.

Bullocks
A prime bullock weighing 706 kg was sold by Seamus Breslin to Thomas Wachope for €1240.

Heifer
The first heifer was sold to Jim McLaughlin for €1330 by Michael McGonagle.



OLD AND NEW
The Mart brought real benefits to farmers and the town of Carndonagh from its very first days of trading. The old system of trading cattle revolved around dealers calling to a farm, or haggling over the price of an animal on Fair Day. Farmers were not aware of the true value of their animals, as they were selling in an isolated and fragmented market. Some traditional dealers were initially very opposed to the idea of a Mart and thought it was destined to fail. The dealers were still offering tempting prices to the farmers as they walked their animals to the Mart, but farmers declined and decided to take their chances in the ring.

The big plus of the auction market system was that cattle were weighed for the first time and the price paid was according to their weight and quality of the animal. Farmers were also able to compare each other’s animals to assess their quality. The Mart day is still held on a Monday, as it was back in 1959 and still acts as a social occasion, but not quite in the way that it did in the early days.

Initially when the mart began it was the norm to have a farm worker who spent the day in the auction. His wife would often accompany him. Here they would meet friends, chat and hear local gossip, and usually end up in one of the local pubs. Nowadays the pace of life is faster and because a lot of farmers have no staff, they tend to go to the market, sell or buy, and go back to their farms quickly. The buzz of excitement is still there on the day of sale though even if it isn’t quite as long as it was.


MILESTONES IN THE CO-OP
Due to the level of demand and a growing population, the Carndonagh Livestock Mart has expanded over the years. Additional pens were added in 1967 (at a cost of £5,575). By this time the Mart was also selling sheep. In 1968 the Inishowen Farmers Co-Op and the Clonleigh Co-Op established a feed mill in a joint venture. Share prices rose to £5 each and a piggery unit was opened in 1972. In 1974 a special meeting was held to amalgamate the three local Co-Op’s; the Mart, Stores and Piggery. In 1975 these three Co-Op’s were put under the management of Donal Noone with the title of The Inishowen Co-operative Society Ltd. The agricultural co-operatives established in both Moville and Buncrana in 1919 were amalgamated with the Inishowen Co-Op in Carndonagh, retaining stores on both towns, where they are still flourishing and offering a unique service to the local agricultural industry.

Many memorable sales have taken place over the year. One that stands out was in 1961 when a record 360 cattle were sold well into the night. Several sales lasted until 5 am the following morning, including one in November 1983 when 1200 cattle were auctioned. In the early years the workers would head into Canny’s Hotel for dinner at two or three in the morning and were met as though it was the middle of the day.

CHANGING NEEDS
The Mart has been catering for the needs of farmers around Inishowen through a lot of changes in the industry, not to mention an attempted raid on the takings in the 1960’s. Neil Faulkner and Benny Doherty saved the day when they were attacked by two raiders on their way to lodge the takings. They heroically fought the raiders off, saving the loss of thousands of pounds.

The Mart has moved with the times and the present day cattle auction system is a lot faster and more efficient than it was. The system in place at the moment frees farmers up so they don’t even have to go to the Mart to sell their cattle, as they can be sold directly to abattoirs from the Co-op. The industry is also far more heavily regulated by the Department of Agriculture who’s job it is to ensure Ireland's high status in relation to animal health and welfare. This is of critical importance given the economic and social importance of agriculture to the country. Health and safety for farming practices has been greatly improved, as has the prevention of diseases. All cattle are now totally traceable back to the farmer, which ensures the trust of customers who buy the meat in Ireland and Europe.


PROUD
From small beginnings back in 1959, to a turnover of millions, the Carndonagh Co-operative founder members would surely be proud of its success over the years and the current committee and staff are looking forward to many more years of successful trading and being the backbone of a whole community that is feeding the nation. Last weeks turn out at the Mart tells us that it is as popular and vital as ever to the community.

5 MINUTES WITH - CLARE BARR

Clare Barr from Buncrana is an enthusiastic Pilates Instructor. Fourteen years ago, Clare did a Health and Fitness course in Dublin and began to teach aerobics. Seven years later, she discovered Pilates, and found it a brilliant and beneficial exercise.

Pilates works on many levels, improving breathing and posture, strengthening core muscles and keeping the body balanced. When you are born the body is straight and aligned but as the years go by the body’s posture changes because of injuries and general use. Pilates is a simple way of exercising and you don’t realise that you are getting so many benefits from the classes. Clare feels very lucky that Buncrana has two leisure centres and a health centre with a wide selection of classes available. She also feels with all the wonderful walks and beautiful hills to climb all over Inishowen, as well as the other facilities available, we have no excuse for not getting out there and doing some form of exercise. Clare is running courses in both Buncrana and Carndonagh regularly and if you want to find out more you can call her on 074 9362723



What music are you listening to at the moment?
I listen to anything from Abba to ZZ Top. As long as it’s good….

What book are you reading?
I devour books and make great use of the local library in Buncrana. I read between 4 and 5 books a month. I have just finished ‘The Brass Verdict’ by Michael Connelly and have stared ‘The Bodies Left Behind’ by Jeffery Deaver.

What was your favourite childhood game?
My childhood memories were of us always being outside playing form morning until night. The weather was never an issue. I enjoyed it all but the best had to be when we went to the beach in the summer catching shrimps at the springboard on the shorefront and building sandcastles in the Ladies Bay.

Have you been to the cinema recently, what did you see and was it any good?
Going to the cinema is a favourite midweek treat for me. The last film I saw was Australia. I thought it was fantastic. It’s a very uplifting film with Nicole Kidman as strong as ever.

What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
I always read the front page first – start at the beginning, as they say.

What would you never throw away?
Photographs of my family.

Most embarrassing moment of your life?
I had never tried Karaoke before, but one evening while on holiday in Tenerife (after a little Dutch courage) I started singing a Tina Turner song, helped by my 8 year old daughter. It was a disaster and the more we sang, the worse we got…

Favourite TV programme?
I am a huge fan of Inspector Morse, 24, A Touch of Frost and most thrillers. I love listening to the music channels whilst doing the housework.

What job did you want to do when you were a child?
A ballet dancer for a while and then a member of Pans People (the dancers on Top of the Pops)!

Where was your best holiday and what made it special?
Our family holiday in Disney World, a few years ago now. Seeing the expressions on the faces of my children, Sean, Michael and Kate, when they encountered the world of getting their picture taken with Mickey and Minnie mouse. Or was it driving through California in a big white Cadillac?

What do you do for a special treat?
Get dressed up (love that) go to the Beach House on the pier in Buncrana or The Tavern for a meal and finish the night in the Drift Inn listening to the Mystery Shoppers or enjoying (listening to) the Karaoke… I definitely won’t be singing….

Favourite animal?
We have always had dogs in our family since I was a child. I love them. I think it’s healthy for children to get used to dogs – caring for them and feeding them.

Biggest thrill?
It has to be the birth of my children. Sean, Michael and Kate. My grandchildren Brionan, James and wee baby Belle. Also having my wonderful husband Brian and my lovely daughter-in-law Hilary. As you get older you realise how important your family is.

Biggest Challenge?
About 5 years ago I had severe arthritis in my hip and I needed a replacement operation. My hip had originally been dislocated when I was born. At the time I thought I would never be able to exercise again – never mind teach. I really thought I would have to change career again and give up something that I loved. But the operation was a complete success and less than five months after the operation I was teaching again.

What was the best present you ever got?
On the morning of my 50th birthday I was whisked off to Nice for a surprise holiday. It was kept secret right until the last minute.

What was the last thing you bought just for yourself?
A dress for €15 euro in the sale in Jay Bee’s of Carndonagh – I love a bargain!

What charities do you support?
The St Vincent de Paul and Concern.

Favourite past-time?
Exercising, walking, reading and dancing.

What do you have for breakfast?
Fresh fruit, tea and brown bread with marmalade.

What was your first paid job?
Working for my father in the Plaza Ballroom in Buncrana. My sisters and I always had to work from an early age and it didn’t do us any harm at all even though we might not have liked it much at the time.

Best/worst household chore?
The best would be cooking and the worst would be cleaning windows.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Live each day to the full.

Personal philosophy?
Treat others as you would like to be treated.

DANCING THE JIVE

Dance away those winter blues with Danny Mulhern’s jive classes. Dancing is a fabulous way of keeping fit and having fun and these sessions are a great way to socialise and have a bit of craic too. Dancing is becoming more and more popular with both men and women and all ages can enjoy it. Danny Mulhern’s passion for dance is well known throughout the peninsula and he is looking forward to sharing this with Inishowen. “You don’t have to be an experienced dancer to come to these classes, or even have a partner” Danny explains, “Any-body can do it. Complete beginners are usually jiving away within two weeks.”

Danny has been dancing since he was thirteen and absolutely loves it. “It is one of the most underrated activities and it has so many benefits.” He declares. “You can express yourself through dance which builds confidence and regular classes also improve energy levels. What’s more, dancing is great for releasing stress, it can help you lose weight, it improves all round fitness and creates the feel good factor,” he continues.

Danny keeps up with all the current trends in dance by regularly attending national seminars and workshops and is well qualified to share his expertise.

Classes are taking place in the Plaza in Buncrana on Mondays (8pm) at the Market House in Clonmany on Tuesdays (8pm) and in Foody’s Lodge in Quigleys Point (to be confimed) (7.30pm). With Classes only €6 and discounts for group bookings, this is great news in this day and age when we are all looking for an inexpensive way to combine socialising, fitness, fun and feeling good!

For more detail you can contact Danny on: 086 8837806

DON'T DESPAIR - REPAIR

Use it up, wear it out and make it do. It is how our grandparents survived and with the economy going downhill and the recession taking its toll, we all have to tighten our belts and start practising to live more carefully. It is time to add a new R to the ‘Reduce, Re-use and Recycle’ motto - nowadays intelligent consumers also need to Repair.

In the boom times our culture moved into ‘buy cheap and throw away’, maybe because our parents had known difficult times in the past. As cheaply priced (and cheaply made) goods flooded the shops, it made more sense to buy a new toaster rather than fix the old one, to get a new coat rather than sew up the torn one.

Now, as we need to practise new ways to budget, it is time to shift our mentality again and start thinking about mending and repairing items instead of throwing them away. Learning some DIY in sewing, car repairs and gardening is a start and using local businesses for more tricky jobs supports your friends and neighbours and keeps money moving in the local economy. Spending a bit of time and effort on re-vamping an old piece of furniture can be satisfying as well as cost-effective. Getting your favourite boots resoled and re-heeled is cheap in comparison to buying new shoes and spending a bit of time with some cleaning products and a needle can tidy up a much-loved dress.

If you haven’t got the necessary skills there are numerous electricians, plumbers, cleaners, carpenters, cobblers and other experts in Inishowen who are just waiting to help you by getting your belongings into a good state of repair. Not only will you save money, you will also save yourself the misery of trying to find a suitable replacement for your favorite piece of clothing or home decor!

Plumbing Repairs
Plumbing is one of those jobs where if you don’t know what you are doing it really is best to call in an expert. One local Inishowen man recently tried to fix the seal between his toilet and the floor himself and ended up with his toilet bowl in two pieces. Local plumber, Kevin Callaghan is the man to call on 086 4060594 if you need any plumbing jobs doing around the house. Preventative maintenance and small jobs are important to keep a house in good order. A single constant drip of water coming from a corroded pipe in through the roof will eventually do so much damage that the whole ceiling might need replacing. Pipe work needs to be checked often, especially in this cold weather. Leaking toilets can waste a lot of water. Kevin can repair your cylinders and boilers quickly and efficiently as well as installing taps, toilets, wash hand basins and even the kitchen sink.

The Shower Man
Having showers instead of a bath saves heating costs as well as time. A short shower in the morning can wake you up and get you ready to face the day. If your shower starts to play up, it is cost-effective to get it fixed asap. The Shower Man will respond quickly to your call, usually fixing your shower in one visit. Under the leadership of Brian Gillespie, The Shower Man has a well-earned reputation for reliability and professional excellence. So if your mains pressure is poor, you need to replace a unit or your storage tank needs cleaning then call in The Shower Man. As approved service agent for the most popular bathroom makes, they will soon sort you out.


CLAIMS4U
If your property or belongings have been damaged by fire, oil leaks,chimney fire,burst pipes, or for any other reason, you might have to put in an insurance claim. Claims4U are a professional loss assessor, who will make your home insurance claims easy. Totally independent from the insurance companies, Claims4U can assess the cost of repairing the damage and replacing your property. They also negotiate with the insurance company for you, taking all the stress out of the process and helping you get the best settlement deals available.