Community Groups Across Offaly Invited To Apply For Support

A fund of €30,000 is announced by GIY with the support of The Ireland Funds for the establishment of 10 new GIY Cottage Markets across the country during 2018.

In 2017, the fund supported the establishment of 15 Cottage Markets for the first time with many of these markets being the catalyst of at least 16 new enterprises across Ireland.

Pictured at the announcement of the 2018 Cottage Market Fund is GIY’s Head of Community Development and Founder of The Cottage Market Karen O’Donohoe with Cottage Marketers at the Kildorrery Cottage Market in Cork, Sue Parsons, Betty Brosnan, Trudi O’ Regan, Fiona Whelan, Eamonn McCarthy, Nora Cunningham, James Nichola, Marie O’Mahony, Louise Cuddihy, Siobhan Doherty.GIY with the support of The Ireland Funds are set to support the start up of Cottage Markets across the country. Community groups across Ireland are now invited to apply for supports to the value of €30,000. Applications are being accepted online via www.thecottagemarket.ie until March 23rd 2018. Photograph Pat Moore.

GIY now invites community groups to avail of start-up funding in order to set up and run their own Cottage Market aiming to put home-made, home-grown food and craft back at the centre of Irish communities with the added bonus of supporting new business start-ups, resulting in job creation. Applications are now being accepted online via www.thecottagemarket.ieand www.giy.ie.

The successful applicants will be awarded with a tailor-made training programme, to ensure the markets’ success and longevity. Social Enterprise, Marketing, Finance and Food experts will deliver training on a number of key modules including how to set up and run a viable community market, how to grow food for a market and training on how to successfully market the new community led venture. The deadline for applications is March 23rd; the groups behind the 10 new Markets will be selected by March 30th with their training programme set to take place at the home of GIY ‘GROW HQ’ in Waterford on April 14^th, 2018.

Commenting on the launch of the 2018 Cottage Market programme, GIY’s Head of Community Development and Founder of The Cottage Market Karen O’Donohoe said, “We are delighted to announce plans to establish 10 new Cottage Markets in 2018 with the support of The Ireland Funds. An additional 15 new Cottage Markets were established in 2017, these resilient towns and villages all across the country were keen to come together and tackle their own community’s over reliance on what is predominantly mass-produced and imported food. And for each of these communities it has been a huge success, the organiser’s behind these markets tell us that this initiative has resulted in the establishment of new enterprises, which have all created jobs.

In Monaghan three new businesses have been created, in Annascaul two new enterprises have been established, in Headford, organisers say five new enterprises have been created; inKildorrery County Cork and Killmalock County Limerick each location has seen 3 new enterprises created; at the Cottage Market in Newbridge organisers say the market has seen the establishment of 2 new enterprises. This is an incredible success, it firmly proves the ever-increasing interest and demand from Irish consumers for locally grown and locally sourced food and it is something we hope to build on again in 2018.”

According to GIY a Cottage Market differs from a Farmer’s Market concept in that it is all about bringing hobbyists and amateur producers from a local area together to showcase their often-hidden skills and talents in areas such growing, sewing or baking. The Cottage Markets also promote GIY’s principals of food empathy, which instils a better understanding and appreciation of where food comes from, which results in people living and making healthier and more seasonal choices.

Caitriona Fottrell, Director at The Ireland Funds said, “The Ireland Funds is delighted to support the work of GIY’s Cottage Market initiative. GIY has been a transformative movement in Ireland, not only developing community-led markets, but also developing micro-businesses, and developing opportunities for communities to socialise. Through a Flagship Grant investment we made in 2016, we are proud to have supported the development of 15 new and thriving cottage markets in just 2 years. We look forward to finding out which new communities will be reenergised in 2018 through GIY’s Cottage Market fund.”

Applications to establish new Cottage Markets are now being accepted online and the process remains open until March 23^rd 2018. Applications from existing market operators whose markets meet The Cottage Market criteria will also be accepted, the application form is available online at www.thecottagemarket.ie

In 2017, 15 Cottage Markets opened for the very first time.

In Ballyconnell county Cavan organiser’s behind the market say that they want to give local producers and community groups a vibrant and welcoming space to sell their produce and receive recognition and financial reward for their hard work. The team behind the new Cottage Market are aiming to host their first market in July.

In Kildorey county Cork organiser’s behind the market say that they have run Christmas and summer markets over the last number of years and they know that they have a lot of local food producers and crafts people in the area. The team behind the new Cottage Market are aiming to host their first market during Easter.

Highlights for them in 2017 include:

• WAKA TV, who are making a programme for RTE, will be recording the market planned for November 11
• Oct 29: A stall was set up to raise funds for Mountain rescue
• September: One of the traders, Ballyhoura Apple Farm, won an award at the Blas na hEireann 2017 (best in Farmer’s Market) for their apple juice
• September: Another trader, Lyreen Smokehouse received a silver award at Blas na hEireann Finals.
• Aug 31: The Avondu newspaper featured a piece on the Kildorrery cottage market
• Aug 27: Ballyhoura Apple farm had more good news when the received another award: A Taste of Donegal Food Festival, Best Product Winner 2017 for their Irish raw apple cider vinegar
• Aug 3: the market was featured on Energia’s ‘clever map of cheap and free stuff to do this weekend’
• July 16: On the kids stall this week was Mark and his little brother, who at the very first market won a kids hamper which included seeds, now he has freshly home-grown lettuce to sell at the market
• The kiddies stand stars: The scouts who took over the table to sell toffee apples

Heather with her homemade jams Tom, Meabh, Mark and Anna who sold fresh lemonade and rice crispies, Ella & Amelia who made crepes, Mollie Mae & Lily Rose sold beautiful floral arrangements to raise money for Heart Children Ireland

In Moville county Donegal organiser’s behind the market say that they are currently primary producers of fruit and vegetables and that they are keen to take the next step to set up a Cottage Market. There other craft people, bakers handicraft experts in the community who would support and participate a Cottage Market. The team behind the new Cottage Market are aiming to host their first market in July.

Highlights for them in 2017 include:

• July 8: Articles and photos by movilleinishowen.com and donegalnoe.com about the first cottage market

In Raheny in Dublin organiser’s behind the market say that they love the idea of being able to showcase local wonderful craft and food producers in a safe and happy environment. The team behind the new Cottage Market are aiming to host their first market first Friday of every month.

At Headford in Galway organiser’s behind the market say “Rural communities have suffered more than most from the economic downturn but in these desolate times we see real potential to reinvent these areas in a new social image. The sense of community remains strong but the services and innovations are lacking. A cottage market, along with other initiatives, can prove to be a catalyst for social change in these areas.” The team behind the new Cottage Market are aiming to host their first market in May. Highlights for them in 2017 include: ● Oct 28: The cottage market held a super Halloween market, with no less than 5 community groups coming together: The cottage market, tidy towns, HUG (ukulele group), Headford Musical society, and the community garden

• Sep 2: The cottage market held its very first fruit & veg auction, where people could bring along anything they have grown all of which will be auctioned off with the proceeds going to local charities.
• July 1: The market held a reading by author Jennifer Rose McMahon, as part of her Irish book tour
• June 3: The cottage market played a big role in the town’s festival; Headfest. They organised a Street Feast, where people from the community where invited to bring along their favourite dish, share with their neighbours, and enjoy the craic.
• May 6: the cottage market celebrated the Galway Bealtaine Festival with may pole dancing, live music, and plenty of vintage games for everyone.

In Inishbofin in county Galway organiser’s behind the market say that their already existing core traders wish to be part of the Cottage Market Brand, they wish to reinvigorate their own existing market and look forward to making contact with other markets to learn how they work and if there are improvements that can be made on Inishbofin. The team behind the new Cottage Market are aiming to host their first market in June.

In Portumna county Galway organiser’s behind the market say that the population of their small market straddled by Tipperary, Galway & Offaly sees during the summer that the population swells with tourism generated from the water based activities on the lake, forest park, golf club, walking & cycling trails, vibrant GAA activity, soccer tournaments and they hope to capilatlise on this boost in business. The team behind the new Cottage Market are aiming to host their first market in Summer 2017.

Highlights for them in 2017 include:

July 12: Held their first cottage market and raised funds for a local woman to receive specialist treatment in Istanbul

In Annascaul county Kerry organiser’s behind the market say that they plan to re-open the Annascaul market as a new Cottage Market with an aim of developing and showcasing the skills, talents and interests of local people. The team behind the new Cottage Market are aiming to host their first market in Spring 2017.

Highlights for them in 2017 include:

• June 25: Launched their cottage market
• Jul 9: The Mayor of Kerry and local press attended their market

In Newbridge county Kildare organiser’s behind the market say, “Newbridge is a thriving commercial town, the commercial heart of the county. It has a population of over 22 thousand people and many more regular visitors, because of the shopping and to visit attractions such as Newbridge Silverware. But the other side of this thriving commercial activity is the fact that the community and small local producers are almost completely unrepresented. We would love to help give the community its own ‘shop window’ and show people that there’s another way to shop.” The team behind the new Cottage Market are aiming to host their first market in June.

Highlights for them in 2017 include:

• November: The community stall will be run by Hoped charity, who will be there all day to chat about their services
• Oct 9: Had reduce, reuse, recycle themed market to support Newbridge’s Reuse festival 17 and reuse month
• Oct: The community stall was run by Team Hope Ireland as part of their Christmas shoebox appeal
• Sept 30: One of their traders, Gibney’s garden preserves, won a silver medal for his kiwi jam at the best in Farmer’s market Blas na hEireann 2017 awards.
• September: The community stall was run by The Dining Room Newbridge, a group of volunteers distributing hot food to the homeless, those in emergency accommodation and others who are struggling in their own homes.
• The community stall was taken over by the Newbridge Cancer Support Group, who raised €500 to fund their therapy services.
• July 21: The Leinster Leader newspaper, had photos of the “great bakers and makers” from the Newbridge cottage market.
• June 26: The Leinster Leader called the new Newbridge cottage market a must for Kildare foodies
• Angela Lane, as seen on RTE news, was at the market providing crochet and knitting tips, getting everyone ready for JuneFest’s yarn bombing
• June 3: Launched their first market
• May 24: One of the volunteers was on KFM explaining all about the wonders of the cottage market

In Laois organiser’s behind the market say that Mountrath was built as a market town by the Coote family and through out its history there has always being fairs and markets held in the town. There was a strong tradition of local families producing vegetables, eggs, baked products and handcrafts such as embroidery and after talking to some of the producers behind these producers they say that they would love to pass their expertise on and see the market revived.

Highlights for them in 2017 include:

• The Laois Today newspaper wrote a wonderful article about the first market
• July 1: The charity stall was run by The Irish Red Cross
• June 25: The Mountrath Scouts and their leader chipped in and helped clean up the flowerbeds at The Macra Hall, in preparation of the first market. The Men’s shed also come along to the markets every month to help pitch all the tents.

In Pallasgreen in Limerick organiser’s behind the market say that they are a very creative community and like to show their skills and sell good quality food and handmade crafts. They see the new Cottage Market initiative as a very good way of gathering together and get new members for their GIY group and to meet new people and to inspire people to grow their own food. The team behind the new Cottage Market are aiming to host their first market in early summer.

In Kilmallock in Limerick organiser’s behind the market say that they are passionate about good food, local food, and encouraging people to be creative and crafty and they love the ethos of Cottage Markets, allowing people to ‘have a go’ at having a stall selling their produce or creations and helping to uncover talents. It would also be an important place for people to meet and chat. The team behind the new Cottage Market are aiming to host their first market in April.

Highlights for them in 2017 include:

• Oct 7: Olympic medallist Rebecca Bourke popped into the market, and it was also their biggest market to date with 25 stalls
• Sept 8: The Vale Star newspaper had photos of the makers and bakers on their front page
• Aug 10: The Limerick Leader and The Vale Star feature photos from the market
• June 30: Councillor Michael Donegan officially opened the market

In Coolshanagh county Monaghan organiser’s behind the market say that they will bring local communities together with a common goal to showcase & market their wonderful produce, whether it is grown, baked or made, all done with loving care & attention to detail and also offer a real social occasion with local musicians, story tellers, tea & coffee. The market will showcase the fantastic talent in Monaghan & make the local people aware of such great products made locally featuring fresh local produce with no air miles involved making the community more sustainable. The team behind the new Cottage Market is aiming to host their first market in May.

Highlights for them in 2017 include: ● July 5: Harry’s dog bakery (featured on Ireland AM) joined the market as a trader

• July 8: Minister Heather Humphreys opened the cottage market
• The Northern Standard newspaper wrote a piece on the market’s launch

In Birr county Offaly organiser’s behind the market say that apart from putting local food back on the local menu, they would like to use the market to bring local producers together such that they can build a menu of produce that is avilable locally. This work, in collaboration with Birr 2020´s Food Pillar, is part of an initiative to get local food into the restauraunts, B+Bs, hotels, and cafes, and is part of a generl push to reinvent Birr as a tourist destination by 2020. The team behind the new Cottage Market is aiming to host their first market in May.