Balla mart on Nationwide

ON Wednesday, August 1, RTE's Nationwide programme will be broadcast from Aurivo's mart in Balla.

Presenter Mary Kennedy will be speaking with general manager Martin Walsh about the importance of the mart in rural Ireland.

She also auctions a Belgian Blue heifer for the Down Syndrome charity and chats to auctioneer Raymond Clarke about his career and the knowledge he has to have to succeed in a fast and furious environment.

Mary Fanning travels to Ballyjamesduff to meet 23-year-old auctioneer Craig Art Lovett, who is also an Ireland jiving champion and a prominent figure at Balla mart.

Mary Kennedy also speaks to legendary cattle agent Hubert Maxwell and catches up with Tim Davitt who runs the top class canteen at Balla with his wife Geraldine.

During the programme, Martin Walsh outlines the social aspect of marts in Ireland, which, he said, are one of the last outposts of rural Ireland. He also explains the economic importance of the Aurivo group and the employment factor, especially for students who get part-time jobs which assist in their college education.