Tommy McElhinney, founder member of Donegal Mart retires after 40 years service

Tommy McElhinney lives in the Townland of Cully near Laghey with his wife Betty, nee Scott, from a neighbouring townland, Ballykillowen. Approaching his 80th birthday, Tommy has seen the change from a horse-driven society to modern high-tech living. This is demonstrated by the large collection of horse-driven farming implements you meet on the approach to their dwelling. Tommy and Betty have three sons, two of whom are well known contractors in the farming sector.
In the 50s and early 60s Tommy saw his father and his neighbours bringing their cattle and sheep to the fair in Donegal Town. This entailed leaving home, often before dawn, walking stock to the Cowmarket, herding them there all day, only to feel cheated by the price received from the dealers who operated a strict monopoly among themselves. Often a farmer would not be offered a price for his animals until late in the evening when many had no other option other than take the small money or return home with the animals. For many this was not an option.
For the young men of that time who wanted to remain farming in Donegal, something had to change. More and more were taking jobs in towns or the boat to England, or farther.
Tommy, and his neighbour Tommy Elliott of Screen, having discussed the problem with other young farmers, decided to follow the example of farmers through the Gap and start a Mart in Donegal Town.
After several meetings in the Market House, or Old Dom’s as it was known, a committee of seven men went forward with the plan. Tommy McElhinney and Tommy Elliott visited the farmers in their own areas and at the Shore to offer shares at the princely sum of £5.00. Other men were doing the same from Inver to Ballintra.
The committment of the farming community to unite and co-operate in an effort to improve the future was shown by the sum of £4,500 raised. This was the year 1965/66, a period in Ireland when money of this kind was not readily available.
The committee raised matching finance from the bank. This had to be guaranteed by the individual members - a brave and courageous decision.
A site on part of the old Railway depot was secured by Seamus Campbell and soon the dream was taking shape. A very basic open air area for the stock, and a covered area for the auction ring, was opened for trading in 1966.
Opposition to this new facility came from cattle dealers who felt that their hold over the small farmer was slipping away. However, when the Mart started, new men came to buy. The small farmer was getting the same chance as the larger farmers to show his stock for a fair price.
Tommy and the other committee members worked for six months operating the new mart without taking any payment - other than a very substantial dinner in Dom’s.
The present farmers owe a great debt to these farseeing men. Hopefully the next generation of farmers will have a facility to be proud of.
Tommy McElhinney and Tommy Elliott are the only surviving of the seven founding members. The others were John Dunnion, William Elliott, Charles Bustard, John P. McAnaw, Seanie Williamson and Seamus Campbell. May the rest in Peace.
Tommy has decided to retire from the committee on which he has served since 1966 and his son William has been co-opted to continue the work started by his father.
The committee would like to thank Tommy for all his support, his good companionship and his efforts on behalf of the mart and community.
Good Health Tommy!

Rickard Deacy, then President of the IFA, cuts the tape to open Donegal Mart in 1966 flanked by Seamus Campbell, Cathal Campbell, Sheila Hamilton, Seanie Wiliamson and William Elliott

******************

‘ARD NA BREATHA’ RECOGNISED IN FIRST AWARDS FOR IRELAND’S ‘GREEN’ TOURISM BUSINESSES

Ard na Breatha Restaurant & Guesthouse, Donegal Town, has been recognised as one of the country’s first E.U. certified “green” tourist Restaurant & accommodation provider and awarded the EU Environmental Quality Award by European Commissioner representative Ms Athina Koutroumani and tourism Ireland Chief Executive Mr Paul O’Toole at a launch in Park’s Castle.
Ard na Breatha had linked up with The Green Box which is Ireland’s first integrated ecotourism destination group. The Green Box was established in 2004, and has grown to cover a network of organic operators, activity providers, guesthouses, restaurants, health farms, and leisure centres throughout Donegal, Fermanagh, West Cavan, North Sligo and North West Monaghan.
Talking to Donegal Times, Theresa and Albert Morrow, owners of Ard Na Breatha said they were delighted to win this prestigious award as the criteria was very high. “The fact that we provide a quality product with emphasis on organic and local produce, along with enviromentally strict ecological and performance procedures, impressed the judges. To be internally recognised like this is a great achievement. A lot of interest has been shown by European tourists who are very aware of green tourist accommodation, and for Ireland to be among the first worldwide at the forefront of this development is surely the way forward in Irish tourism.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Tourism Ireland chief executive Mr Paul O’Toole said “the core appeal of the island of Ireland as a holiday destination continues to rest with our image as a warm and friendly people, residing in a place of breathtaking scenery, with the potential to provide unique and distinctive holiday experiences. Ecotourism has enormous potential to deliver all of these criteria. Innovations like the Green Box are vital for the successful development of our industry in the coming years. Not only is it a great boon to the North West but it has proven itself the leader in ecotourism development in this country. I welcome the fact that these businesses operating within it have formal recognation.”