Padraig Staunton samples some 'lilliput loaf' from Louis Peppard at Athboy Farmers Market on Sunday.

Restored Athboy Stables site hosts new farmers' market

The restoration of the Athboy Stables site on the Kells Road in Athboy has been a great success, resulting in the launch of the latest farmers' market in the county. The project has been ongoing over the past two months in tandem with the RTE One series 'Dirty Old Towns', a campaign led by TV horticulturalist, Diarmuid Gavin, to empower communities to get out and take on projects that enhance their town. The Athboy Stables were part of the former Dyas Estate and are an important historical link to Athboy's past. The farmers' market was officially opened last Sunday by Padraic Staunton, Athboy's Community Person of the Year for 2011. A large and enthusiastic crowd of local people attended to enjoy the occasion. The site has been totally transformed into a superb space which can only be an asset to the town of Athboy in the future. There was a great variety of market stalls and entertainment provided by local musicians. Diarmuid Gavin and his production team were there to film the event and it proved to be a fun-filled event with a real family atmosphere. Athboy will feature in 'Dirty Old Towns' on RTE One television in early May. Athboy Farmers' Market will be held every Sunday from 11am to 2pm and is hoping to attract more stall-holders. All organic, locally produced, hand-crafted goods are being sought by the organisers. Contact Brian Andrews on (087) 817 3325 for more details or check out Athboy Stables Farmers' Market on Facebook.