BONAMH MARKET & HERITAGE DAY
CAISLEÁN AN BHARRAIGH, AUGUST 26th 2017

The Bonamh Market - An Margadh Banbh, i gcomhar le Mayo Heritage Week agus Gnó Mhaigh Eo, will be bringing back, for one day only, the traditional bonamh and farmers' market that took place for years gach maidin Shathairn ar Rush St. The date for this year's event is Saturday, 26th August.

This promises to be a great day of craic agus spraoi for everyone. Beidh go leor le feiceáil agus beidh neart imeachtaí ar siúl chomh maith. Among the gifted members of Ceardaíocht Mhaigh Eo will also be a thatcher, a woodturner and walking-stick maker. A forge will be set up and the blacksmith will display the scileanna traidisiúnta, as well as traditional children's games made from willow and rush. Another feature of the day will be the celebration of our native food, our centrepiece being a pig on the spit. On display also on the day will be traditional artefacts, old cars and old tractors and farm machinery. Lá thar a bheith speisialta atá i ndán dúinn, this promises to be a unique day and will reflect the history of Caisleán an Bharraigh. Beidh damhsa ar an Sean-Nós le Daithí Ó Gallachóir agus ceol traidisiúnta leis na Rolling Waves Trad Group. Beidh CRC ag craoladh beo ón margadh ar an lá - CRC FM will broadcast on the day from Rush St.

The market dates way back and Castlebar locals remember it fondly. One source says Rush Street is so called because rushes (luachra) were spread on the road to absorb the droppings of the ainmhithe. The calf market was centered around the Rush St./Charles St. area long after the original fairs ended. The bonamh market was intermingled with the calf market. Old Moore's Almanac used to refer to the fairs at that time in town. A baby chick market was held and a dillisk stall was a feature on the bridge. Large trucks full of éadaí used to park and sell their products off the back.

Local historian Noel Campbell, author of "A History of Castlebar: Municipal Government 1613-2014", will be there to give a talk on the history of Castlebar, but specifically, that area of Castlebar at 2pm. His talk will be repeated at 4pm and is a must for anyone that has an interest in the town's history and would like to hear some stories from this well-known historian.

An cuimhin leatsa na laethanta sin? The organisers would love to hear from people who might have photos from that time or any memories of the market. If you took part in the market and would like to take part in the broadcast, déan teagmháil linn, please contact 094 9024845 or email chamber@castlebar.ie. People wishing to take part in the day itself should contact above also but space is very limited.