A new outdoor market is set to open for the first time in a Laois town this week.
The Market House on Main Street in Stradbally will be the venue this Friday, October 30, for the first meeting from around 1pm.
Previously, Stradbally Country Market held a market every Saturday in St Patrick’s Hall.
It used to see traders descend to sell home baked goods, vegetables, juice, honey, jewellery and crafts which were all produced by local people.
However, the arrival of Covid-19 in March saw the doors closed on St Patrick’s Hall and the market has not taken place since.
But now, some of the traders there have teamed up with those in the Laois Farmers Market to bring about this exciting venture.
The Laois Farmers Market takes place every Friday morning at Peppers Lane, off Lyster Square in Portlaoise.
And now, according to one of the men behind the joint venture, John Egan, the plan is for the two groups to collaborate.
While Jason Barron, the hugely popular fishmonger from Bates Seafood of Kilmore Quay in Wexford, is also set to set up a stall.
John, who owns Ratheniska Farm Fresh, is eagerly looking forward to Friday.
He said: “In the current climate, the whole idea is to get people to shop outdoors.
“The crowds at the Laois Farmers Market have grown enormously during the pandemic. We were out the door last Friday – it was busier than Christmas week.
“People like to be outside now. Especially older people – this is something they can go to because they don’t want to be around crowds in big shops.
“So instead they can come to our markets, outside, where they can get fresh, local produce.
“The sellers will begin setting up around 12pm and the Portlaoise crew will join them as soon as the market finishes there.
“It has the potential to be a great market and I hope that people will come and support it. I can guarantee people that whatever they buy will be of the highest quality and standard.”
The Market House in Stradbally was first opened in 1899 and local Councillor Paschal McEvoy believes that bringing traders back there is a hugely positive move.
He said: “This is hugely positive news and it will be great for the people of Stradbally and the surrounding areas to have their market back.
“I know many of the people who used to attend St Patrick’s Hall and they have told me how much they miss the social aspect of the market – as well as easy access to such high quality products.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has been really hard on everyone – so anything that can bring a bit of happiness to people, in a safe way, has to be welcomed.
“So I commend everyone involved and I know that Friday, and beyond, will be hugely successful for them all.”
The restoration of the Market House was highly commended at this 2017 Irish Georgian Society Conservation Awards.
It was built as a memorial to Dr William Perceval, a respected local doctor who had died earlier the same year.
A brand new roof, pavement and associated works were carried out under the stewardship of renowned architect Richard McLoughlin.
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