Monaghan Farmers' Market

Monaghan farmers market will be in existence for two years this May bank holiday weekend. It has been a great success as it has given employment to some 19 traders each Friday morning in the heart of Monaghan from 10.00am to 2.00pm come rain hail sleet or snow we are there.

Over this past year I have noticed as a stallholder that it is a great meeting place for young and old. It has many different stalls; most of the produce cannot be purchased in the local shops.

Where do I start well we have Pollock’s pickles where you will find Meredith holding the fort as Glennys is busy at home making jams and pickles to supply the demand,

Breda of “Good Things Farm” is busy day and night weaving her trellis and hand crafted baskets and other bits and bobs getting ready for Friday morning. This time of year she is busy in her organic farm growing produce for sale later on in the season.

 Sean of Donegal fish all the way from Killybegs is always busy at his stall with his tasty fresh fish he always knows how to cook them properly.

 We have Tiarnach from Carrafinn farm with his organic chickens and corn fed eggs.

For the celiac people Lorraine of Cake and Crumb is busy preparing the dry ingredients for her bread and cake recipes ready for you to add water or oil 

Lorraine also makes a selection of breads and cakes for the celiac population of Monaghan

Thinking of oil Thomas of Rapeseed oil Raphoe Co Donegal comes to the market the first of the month with his bottles of oil.  Thomas tells me a tablespoon each morning is good for your aches and pains.

Mary’s bakery is busy with her scones and apple tarts as well as an assortment of tray bakes and cakes Mary also makes bread for celiac sufferers to order.

Now we have Willie with his woodturning creations, each Friday he has something why only last week he was showing me a clock he had in the shape of Ireland as well as many more bits and bobs Why not drop by and take a look Willie always loves to have a chat with everybody.

Now Donal he has the Fruit vegetable and egg stall, why he even sells duck eggs that Jenny Greenfingers ducks lay. Donal sells local produce when available otherwise he buys from larger growers and at the markets. I must say his vegetables are fresh and taste beautiful.

“Stir it Up” Lisa will provide you with exotic spices and Caribbean Chutneys.

Mark from Caledon Rare Breed Pork is always there to keep the crack going and provide you with a succulent piece of pork or maybe a home made sausage or pork burger.

Marty our fair weather organic gardener will supply you during the summer months with salads potatoes and my favourite kohlrabi celeriac chard and lots more exotic vegetables and herbs 

 Jenny of Greenfingers will supply you with all your gardening need depending on the season from seed potatoes onions bulbs to summer bedding.

Now if you have a sweet tooth she will also supply you with a packet or two of sweets at a price.

Neri from Lithuanian makes her own jewellery and also fantastic hats and scarves there are too numerous to describe so just pop along and take a look for yourself H articles would make a lovely birthday present

  . We have some new comers to the market in the form of “Theodd Couple” Carlo and Ornelle come from Italy and have a lovely display of Italian food like cheeses sweets and salami which is imported from small producers, also Ornella makes pasta. Tahitian Noni Juice.  This is a tropical fruit that grows in the French Polynesia This juice helps to protect cells from oxidative damage, supports the maintenance of normal bones and supports a normal energy yielding metabolism. There are some more casual traders that come to the market to sell their wares so why not come along and have a look around

Jenny