'Record breaking' sales at Cootehill Mart despite storm damage

A local mart has been able to continue trading despite damage to their premises caused by Storm Éowyn.

Cootehill Mart successfully held a cattle sale on Friday evening, with Manager Steven Drury reporting that it was "very successful" with "record breaking" sales.

One Hereford dairy-cross bullock owned by a local farmer made €3480.

The roof on one side of the mart was completely blown off the premises during the storm while the front of the building had collapsed in, leaving galvanised sheets and planks of wood strewn all over the yard and nearby road.

Steven had not expected assessors out for a couple of weeks due to the extensive damage caused by the storm all over the country, however has received news that they will arrive tomorrow (Wednesday).

In the midst of one of their busiest months, Steven said the business was “fortunate enough” to have renovated an old sales ring, which they are now using along with one other to hold the sale, with a slightly changed system.

He also had professional electrical engineers on site to disconnect any potential issues.

Sales will continue as planned this week, with their sheep sale taking place on Thursday at 6pm and the cattle sale at an earlier time of 5pm on Friday.