This article is from page 31 of the 2010-02-16 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 31 JPG
THE Kilrush Farmers’ Market is back this week after its winter use e
Just like the long evenings, the farmers market has become another indicator of spring in the west Clare Cree
For many locals the return also signals the start of the new year’s foodie calendar.
The highly successful market is widely regarded as a source of lo- cal, high quality, seasonal food and TbOtea Keren (oN
The market will begin again this Thursday at 9am and finish up at 2pm in the town centre.
Many of the regular stallholders are returning to provide the shop- ping experience that promises some- thing for everyone.
Among the produce on sale is a se- lection of fresh vegetables; organic produce; local Clare cheeses; fresh fish and seafood; freshly-baked bread and cakes, savoury lunchtime treats and French-style pancakes; jams, pickles and chutneys; tea, cof- fee and fruit juices; plants and flow- ers; and a variety of locally-made
craft products.
Kilrush Farmers’ Market control- ler Hilary Gleeson has hailed the market a complete success.
“I think the farmers’ market is a great way to buy quality fresh food produced here in Ireland. People can be confident of the origins of the food and are able to get to know their lo- cal supplier – often with a chance to sample before they buy.
“Our market has become more and more a part of people’s weekly shop- ping habits and it’s great to see it thriving,” she said.
The farmers’ market is ever chang-
ing, regularly recruiting new stall- holders who offer quality food and new craft ideas.
Many of the stallholders take or- ders for their goods while others provide a delivery service.
“Buying local also has many ben- efits, including supporting local growers, food producers and arti- sans which creates business locally, promotes a sense of community and also does its bit for the environment by helping to cut down on the dis- tance food and produce travels,” said the PRO for the market Mark Wil- son-Pierce.