First sales under major three-way co-op merger

Marts: A new force in livestock marketing commenced operation this week, when the merger of the marts at Nenagh, Roscrea and Birr under Central Auction Services Co-op was completed, with the first sales of livestock under the new management structure.

The new society will have a turnover of €35 million with cattle sales of 47,000 head and sheep sales exceeding 81,000 head per year.

The board has announced the election of John O'Brien, Nenagh, as the first chairman. The position is to rotate between the three areas. Nenagh Co-op Mart manager Matt Malone has been appointed chief executive. Matt is brother of John Malone, who recently retired as Department of Agriculture secretary general.