Aurivo launches new book on the history of farming in the North West of Ireland

Dec, 2018

Aurivo launches new book on the
history of farming in the North West of Ireland

In one of the most comprehensive research projects ever undertaken on farming west of the Shannon, Aurivo has commissioned a newly-published book which charts the history of Aurivo and farming in the West of Ireland.

Aurivo commissioned James Laffey to write Fields of Gold, and the award-winning author delivered a comprehensive 576-page account of Aurivo’s remarkable rise from humble beginnings to its position as one of the largest indigenous businesses in the West of Ireland, with an annual turnover in 2017 of €426 million, export markets in more than 50 countries and a staff of over 700.

James, a native of Foxford in Co Mayo who has been editor of the Western People since 2004, is the author of several award-winning books, including The Road to 51; which won the McNamee Award for Best GAA Publication in 2011 and Powering the West (co-written with Christy Loftus); which was voted Best Local Heritage Book at Listowel Writers’ Week in 2016.

“James Laffey was an inspired choice to author the book. He was brilliant to work with throughout the project and readers of the book will see that he is an absolutely gifted writer who has captured the whole essence of his brief and has brought previously unknown material to light through his meticulous research,” said Jim Kelly, who headed an editorial committee within Aurivo to manage the project.

“It will be a massive read and of huge interest to anyone with an association with the West and North West.”

Aurivo’s roots can be traced back to the late 19th century when co-operative creameries were established the length and breadth of rural Ireland, becoming the principal source of income for farming families along the western seaboard, helping many people to avoid the need to leave Ireland at a time of mass emigration.

In Fields of Gold, James Laffey traces the fascinating evolution of the co-operative movement in the West of Ireland across three centuries. Drawing on previously unpublished documents and interviews, he has produced a compelling narrative that takes readers from the lush fields of South Mayo and Galway to the Finn Valley in Donegal and from the Erris Peninsula to the Leitrim/Cavan border. The book is handsomely illustrated with over 250 pages of photographs.

Fields of Gold is an informative and inspiring reflection on the lives of past generations in the West; harking back to a very different era in rural Ireland when the can-do spirit of the co-operative movement emerged from communities still struggling to arise from the devastating effects of the Great Famine.

“One of my key objectives was to broaden the narrative to include the social history of the time,” James Laffey said. “Fields of Gold is primarily the story of farming in the North West of Ireland since the Land League, but it is also about social, political and economic life in a part of the country that enjoyed something of an agricultural revolution from the late 1800s onwards, having been decimated by the Great Famine a generation earlier.”

Aaron Forde, CEO of Aurivo, said the company was delighted to have led the creation of such an important publication. “The co-operatives were crucial to the farming revolution as they involved partnerships between people from different socio-economic and religious backgrounds,” he said. “In many villages, the co-operative creamery became the first example of indigenous industry and people had tremendous pride in their local co-operative, which remains to this day.”

As with Aurivo itself, Fields of Gold is a remarkable success story and great credit is due to James Laffey and the editorial committee at Aurivo for bringing it to the page.

Fields of Gold is available to purchase in all local bookshops, at Aurivo’s Homeland stores and online at www.homeland.ie at a cost of €30.

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Aurivo House
Finisklin,
Sligo, F91 N968
Phone: 071 9186500
Email: [email protected]

Aurivo Agribusiness
Finisklin,
Sligo, F91 N968
Phone: 071 9160883
Email: [email protected]
Web: homeland.ie
Web: nutrias.ie

Aurivo Consumer Foods
Finisklin,
Sligo, F91 N968
Phone: 071 9160883
Email: [email protected]
Web: connachtgold.ie

Aurivo Dairy Ingredients
Ballaghaderreen,
Co. Roscommon, F45 WK33
Phone: 094 9860114
Email: [email protected]

Aurivo House
Finisklin, Sligo.
Phone: 071 9186500 | Fax: 071 9185239
Email: [email protected]

Title	Address	Description
Aurivo House	Finisklin Business Park, Finisklin, Sligo, Ireland	Aurivo House Finisklin, Sligo. Phone: 071 9186500 Fax: 071 9185239 Email:
Aurivo Dairy Ingredients	Aurivo Dairy Ingredients, Lung, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon, Ireland	Aurivo Dairy Ingredients Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon Phone: 094 9860114 Fax: 094 9860157 Email:
Aurivo Animal Feeds	Unit 7A, The Mill Business Park, Dublin Rd, Kilcolman, Ballaghadereen, Co. Roscommon, Ireland	Aurivo Animal Feeds Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon Phone: 094 9860234 Fax: 094 9860238 Email:
Homeland, Ballaghaderreen	4 College Ct, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon, F45 DR13, Ireland	Contact Name: Francis McDonagh Address: Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon Phone: 094 9860081 Fax: 094 9860373 Email: Farm Commercial Specialist: Gary Keane Mobile: 087 185 4535 Opening Hours: Monday - Friday - 9am-5.30pm Saturday - 9am-4pm
Homeland, Ballina	Crossmolina Rd, Ballina, Co. Mayo, Ireland	Contact Name: Donal Tuohy Address: Crossmolina Rd, Ballina, Co Mayo. Phone: 096 73588 Fax: 096 73589 Email: Farm Commercial Specialist: Gary Keane Mobile: 087 185 4535 Opening Hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5.45pm Sat: 9am - 5pm
Homeland, Castlebar	Glencar, Fortfield, Moneenbradagh, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, Ireland	Manager: Larry Hughes Address: Springfield, Castlebar, Co. Mayo Phone: 094 9022311 Fax: 094 9022910 Email: Farm Commercial Specialist: David Whelan Mobile: 087 367 4073 Opening Hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5.45pm Sat: 9am - 4.30pm
Homeland Plus, Westport	5 Castlebar Rd, Carrowbeg, Westport, Co. Mayo, Ireland	Contact Name: Alan Gibbons Address: Lodge Rd, Westport, Co. Mayo Phone: 098 27535 Fax: 098 27543 Farm Commercial Specialist: David Whelan Mobile: 087 367 4073 Opening Hours: Monday - Sat - 9am-5.30pm
Homeland, Swinford	2 Fraunhill, Swineford, Co. Mayo, Ireland	Contact Name: Darragh Halligan Address: Swinford, Co Mayo. Phone: 094 9251360 Fax: 094 9251360 Email: Farm Commercial Specialist: Gary Keane Mobile: 087 185 4535 Opening Hours: Monday - Friday - 9am-6pm Saturday - 9am-5pm
Homeland Agri, Achonry	Achonry, Co. Sligo, Ireland	Address: Achonry, Tubbercurry, Co.Sligo Phone: 071 9184127 Farm Commercial Specialist: Emer Reilly Mobile: 087 173 8249 Opening Hours: Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri: 9am - 5.30pm Thurs, Sat: 9am - 1pm Closed for Lunch from 1.30pm to 2.15pm
Homeland Plus, Deep Water Quay, Sligo	Icos House, Finisklin Rd, Cartron, Sligo, Ireland	Contact Name: Andrew Hodgson Address: Deep Water Quay, Sligo Phone: 071 9161879 Fax: 071 9150274 Email: Farm Commercial Specialist: Emer Reilly Mobile: 087 173 8249 Opening Hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm Sat - 9am - 5.30pm
Homeland Agri, Athleague	R362, Co. Roscommon, Ireland	Contact Name: Tony White Address: Athleague, Co Roscommon. Phone: 090 6663322 Fax: 090 6663580 Email: Farm Commercial Specialist: James Kelly Mobile: 087 272 3636 Farm Commercial Specialist: Mark Whelan Mobile: 087 608 2036 Opening Hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm Sat: 9am - 4pm Closed for lunch 1pm - 2pm
Homeland Agri, Castlerea	Longford House, Longford, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, Ireland	Manager: John Ruane Address: Castlerea, Co Roscommon. Phone: 094 9620162 Fax: 094 9620978 Email: Farm Commercial Specialist: Colm Duffy Mobile: 087 092 9434 Opening Hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5.30pm Sat: 9am - 4pm Closed for Lunch 1pm - 2pm
Homeland, Rathscanlon	R294, Rathscanlan, Co. Sligo, Ireland	Contact Name: Francis Gallagher Address: Ballina Rd., Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo Phone: 071 9185571 Email: Farm Commercial Specialist: James Fitzmaurice Mobile: 086 600 1400 Opening Hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5.30pm Sat: 9am - 4.30pm
Homeland Agri, Riverstown	Cuiltylough, Riverstown, Co. Sligo, Ireland	Contact Name: David Currid Address: Riverstown, Co. Sligo Phone: 071 9165103 Fax: 071 9165334 Email: Farm Commercial Specialist: Emer Reilly Mobile: 087 173 8249 Opening Hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5.30pm Sat: 9am - 1.00pm Closed for lunch 1.30pm - 2.15pm
Homeland Agri, Ballymote	R293, Keenaghan, Co. Sligo, Ireland	Contact Name: Tim Lavin Address: Ballymote, Co. Sligo Phone: 071 9183452 Fax: 071 9183023 Farm Commercial Specialist: Emer Reilly Mobile: 087 173 8249 Opening Hours: Tues - Fri: 9am - 5.30pm Mon, Sat: 9am - 1pm Closed for lunch 1.30pm - 2.15pm
Homeland Agri, Skreen	N59, Co. Sligo, Ireland	Contact Name: Conor Dunleavy Address: Skreen, Co. Sligo Phone: 071 9166711 Fax: 071 9166796 Farm Commercial Specialist: James Fitzmaurice Mobile: 086 600 1400 Opening Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 9.30am - 5.30pm Sat: 9am - 4.45pm. Closed Wed and Sunday.
Homeland, Claremorris	2 Clareville, Clare, Co. Mayo, Ireland	Contact Name: Shane Kivlehan Email: Address: Claremorris, Co. Mayo Phone: 094 9371292 Fax: 094 9371292 Farm Commercial Specialist: David Whelan Mobile: 087 367 4073 Opening Hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5.30pm Sat: 9am - 5pm
Homeland, Ballinrobe	Abbey View, Abbey Rd, Friarsquarter West, Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo, Ireland	Contact Name: Michael Canny Address: Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo Phone: 094 9541134 Fax: 094 9520015 Email: Farm Commercial Specialist: David Whelan Mobile: 087 367 4073 Opening Hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5.30pm Sat: 9am - 5pm
Homeland Agri, Kinlough	2 Spa Brae, Kinlough, Co. Leitrim, Ireland	Contact Name: Ernan McGarrigle Address: Kinlough, Co. Leitrim Phone: 071 9841413 Email: Farm Commercial Specialist: Emer Reilly Mobile: 087 173 8249 Opening Hours: Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat: 9am - 5.30pm Closed Thurs Closed through lunch 1pm - 2pm
Homeland Agri, Kilbarron	Nagin House, Creevy, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal, Ireland	Contact Name: Hugh McGarrigle Address: Cashelard, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal Phone: 071 9851296 Fax: 071 9852448 Email: Farm Commercial Specialist: Emer Reilly Mobile: 087 173 8249 Opening Hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5.15pm Sat: 9am - 4pm. Closed for Lunch 1.15pm to 1.45pm
Homeland Agri, Athlone	Moydrum Rd, Blyry Upper, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, Ireland	Contact Name: Stephen Browne Address: Moydrum Business Park, Cavan Exit, Main Dublin Road, Athlone. Phone: 090 6465652 Email: Farm Commercial Specialist: James Kelly Mobile: 087 272 3636 Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 9am - 5.30pm Sat 9am - 4.30pm (Open through lunch) Closed for lunch 1pm - 1.45pm
Homeland Agri, Gurteen	R293, Co. Sligo, Ireland	Contact Name: Kevin Kane Address: Gurteen, Co Sligo. Phone: 071 9182007 Fax: 071 9182054 Email: Farm Commercial Specialist: Colm Duffy Mobile: 087 092 9434 Opening Hours: Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri: 9am - 5.30pm Thurs & Sat: 9am - 1pm Closed for lunch 1pm - 2pm
Homeland Agri, Killala	Quay Rd, Townplots East, Co. Mayo, Ireland	Contact Name: Eamon Killeen Address: The Quay, Killala, Co Mayo. Phone: 096 32044 Fax: 096 32315 Farm Commercial Specialist: Gary Keane Mobile: 087 185 4535 Opening Hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm
Homeland Agri, Boyle	Station Rd, Termon, Co. Roscommon, Ireland	Contact Name: Paul Fahy Address: Boyle, Co Roscommon. Email: Phone: 071 9662427 Farm Commercial Specialist: Colm Duffy Mobile: 087 092 9434 Opening Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 9am - 5.30pm Wed, Sat: 9am - 1pm Closed for lunch 1pm - 2pm
Homeland, Ballyhaunis	N83, Kilmannin, Co. Mayo, Ireland	Contact Name: Joe Slattery Address: Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo Phone: 094 9630166 Fax: 094 9630274 Email: Farm Commercial Specialist: Mark Whelan Mobile: 087 608 2036 Opening Hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5.30pm
Homeland Agri, Easkey	R297, Co. Sligo, Ireland	Contact Name: John Holmes Address: Castletown, Easkey, Co Sligo. Contact: Phone: 096 49043 Farm Commercial Specialist: James Fitzmaurice Mobile: 086 600 1400 Opening Hours: Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri: 9am - 5.30pm Closed for lunch: 1-2pm Closed Tue/Sun Sat 9am - 4.30pm (open through lunch)
Homeland Agri, Kiltoghert	R299, Co. Leitrim, Ireland	Contact Name: James McDermott Address: Carrick on Shannon, Co Leitrim. Phone: 071 9622113 Fax: 071 9622249 Email: Farm Commercial Specialist: Colm Duffy Mobile: 087 092 9434 Opening Hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5.30pm Sat: 9am - 4pm Closed for Lunch 1pm - 2pm
Homeland, Mohill	1 Hyde St, Mohill, Co. Leitrim, N41 V6T4, Ireland	Contact Name: Fiona Creamer Address: Mohill, Co Leitrim. Phone: 071 9631194 Fax: 071 9632057 Farm Commercial Specialist: Colm Duffy Mobile: 087 092 9434 Opening Hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5.45pm Sat: 9am - 5.30pm
Homeland, Letterkenny	Middle Rd, Ballyboe Lisnenan, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, Ireland	Contact Name: Dominick Gallagher Address: Ballyraine, Letterkenny Phone: 074 9113314 Fax: 074 9124823 Farm Commercial Specialist: Johnathan Smyth Mobile: 078 333 80089 Opening Hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5.30pm
Homeland, Lifford	Letterkenny Rd, Lifford, Co. Donegal, Ireland	Contact Name: Joe Carlin Address: Lifford Phone: 074 9141558 Fax: 074 9141961 Email: Farm Commercial Specialist: Johnathan Smyth Mobile: 0044 7833 380089 Opening Hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm : Closed for Lunch 1pm to 1.30pm
Homeland Agri, Creeslough	Sue's Cottage, Rosscad, Creeslough, Co. Donegal, Ireland	Contact Name: Mark Alcorn Address: Creeslough Phone: 074 9138078 Fax: 074 9138079 Farm Commercial Specialist: Johnathan Smyth Mobile: 0044 7833 380089 Opening Hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5.30pm Sat - 9am - 5pm Closed for Lunch 1pm - 2 pm
Homeland Agri, Ardara	Corner House, The Diamond, Drumbaran, Ardara, Co. Donegal, Ireland	Contact Name: Laurence Breslin Address: Ardara Contact: Phone: 074 9541888 Fax: 074 9537745 Farm Commercial Specialist: Emer Reilly Mobile: 087 173 8249 Opening Hours: Tues - Fri: 9am - 5.30pm Sat: 9-5pm Closed for Lunch 1pm - 2pm
Homeland Agri, Omagh	10 Dromore Rd Retail Park, Omagh BT78 1RE, UK	Manager: David Keith Address: Dromore Rd Retail Park, Omagh Contact: Phone: 028 82 244184 Fax: 028 82 240909 Farm Commercial Specialist: Johnathan Smyth Mobile: 0044 7833 380089 Opening Hours: Mon - Fri - 9am - 5.30pm Sat - 9am - 5pm Closed through lunch - 1pm - 2pm
Homeland, Kerrykeel	R246, Co. Donegal, Ireland	Contact Name: Derek Stewart Address: Kerrykeel Phone: 074 9150179 Fax: 074 9150193 Email: Farm Commercial Specialist: Johnathan Smyth Mobile: 0044 7833 380089 Opening Hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5.30pm Closed for Lunch 1pm - 2 pm
Homeland Agri, Longford	Cartrongeeragh Business Park, Athlone Road, Cartronageeragh, Co. Longford, Ireland	Contact: Padraig Heany Address: Athlone rd., Longford Contact: Tel: 043 3336286 Farm Commercial Specialist: Colm Duffy Mobile: 087 092 9434 Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm Saturday - 9am - 4.30pm Closed for lunch - 1.15pm - 2pm
Homeland Belmullet	Áras Mhaoilchiaraín, Chapel St, Belmullet, Co. Mayo, Ireland	Manager: Stephen Killeen Address: Chapel Street, Belmullet, Co. Mayo Contact: Tel: 097 81109 Farm Commercial Specialist: James Fitzmaurice Mobile: 086 600 1400 Opening Hours: Mon - Fri - 9-am - 5:30pm Sat - 9am - 4pm
Homeland Agri Ballinfull	1, Carrigeens, Ballinfull, Co. Sligo, F91 K5D7, Ireland	Address: Ballinfull, Co. Sligo Phone: 071 9163154 Farm Commercial Specialist: Emer Reilly Mobile: 087 1738 249 Opening Hours: Mon - Fri - 9am - 5.30pm Sat: 9am -4pm Closed for lunch: 1- 2pm
Aurivo Livestock Mart Ballymote	Laburnum Lodge, Fairgreen Rd, Rathnakelliga, Ballymote, Co. Sligo, Ireland	Manager: Stephen Hannon Tel: 0818 301 401 Bookings: Pre Booking Monday 9.30 am – 1.00 pm for Thursday Sale
Aurivo Livestock Mart Ballinrobe	Abbey St, Friarsquarter West, Co. Mayo, Ireland	Manager: Tom Mc Guire Tel: 094 95 41140 Bookings: Pre Booking Friday 9.30 am – 1.00 pm for Wednesday Sale
Aurivo Livestock Mart Balla	N60, Co. Mayo, Ireland	Manager: Michael Murphy Tel: 0818 301 401 Bookings: Pre Booking Wednesday for Sat Sale 9.30 am – 11.00 am for Bullocks/Heifers 11.00 am – 1.00 pm for all Cows Pre Booking Thursday for Weanling Sale 9.30am – 1pm
Aurivo Livestock Mart Mohill	1 Cappagh, Mohill, Co. Leitrim, Ireland	Manager: Stephen Hannon Tel: 0818 301 401 Bookings: Pre Booking Tuesday 9.30 am – 1.00 pm for Saturday Sale