19

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 Drawing on previously unpublished documents and interviews, he has produced a compelling narrative that takes readers from the lush fields of South Mayo and Galway to the Finn Valley in Donegal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.

Latest News

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