Midlands Farmers for Africa raises close to €50,000 for Self Help Africa
A successful event staged by Midlands Farmers for Africa has raised close to €50,000 for Self Help Africa.
Ahead of the event, which took place at Tullamore Mart on Monday, organisers had called on local farmers to donate suitable animals.
The livestock sale, organised by Offaly farmer Pat Mahon and Ronan Scully (Self Help Africa), was backed by farmers from Offaly, Westmeath, Kildare, Laois, Longford, North Tipperary, Meath, Roscommon, Carlow, Kilkenny and East Galway.
Speaking after the sale, which sees all proceeds go to Self Help Africa, Ronan Scully said that what began six months ago as a simple idea by farmer Pat Mahon became 'an extraordinary demonstration of generosity, solidarity, care and compassion'.
“On behalf of Self Help Africa, I want to heartfelt thanks to everyone who made it possible,” Ronan said.
He praised the efforts of Pat Mahon and his family, saying that he has worked tirelessly over the past six months to bring the initiative to fruition.
“Pat's commitment, humility and determination have been an inspiration. He has shown what can be achieved when a good idea is accompanied by hard work and a generous heart,” Scully said.
“The money raised is not simply a fundraising figure. It represents food, opportunity, agricultural knowledge, livelihoods, resilience and hope. Through its work across Africa, Self Help Africa supports rural communities to build sustainable livelihoods through agricultural training, livestock and veterinary support, climate-smart farming, access to markets, women's enterprise and other practical initiatives.
“Perhaps the greatest achievement is the spirit of generosity that has been created. The hope is that this initiative can become a template for similar farmer-led fundraising efforts elsewhere in Ireland, bringing the generosity of our farming communities into partnership with the work of Self Help Africa,” he added.
Describing the event as 'a community effort', Ronan thanked Tullamore Mart, its management, office team, yard staff and auctioneers for their support. He also thanked the Irish Farmers' Association, including President Francie Gorman, and the team in the Tullamore and Offaly IFA office.
Sean Browne, Andy Meacle, Kevin Weir, Dominick Mahon and haulier Peadar Heffernan were also thanked for helping transport animals from across the midlands, as well as the chef and his canteen staff, Aisling and her team at Tyrrell's Bakery, Ben Scally's Centra and John Leavy's Centra.
Finally, Ronan thanked Ciara Tallon, Sarah O'Carroll and the Self Help Africa team for its support throughout the campaign.
To support the work of Self Help Africa or make a donation visit www.selfhelpafrica.org or contact Pat Mahon at 083 423 8887 or patjoemahon@outlook.com or Ronan Scully at (087) 6189094 or ronan.scully@selfhelpafrica.org