Kathleen leads the field as 86-year-old Echo Mini Marathon star
An example of rural resilience, says Denis Lehane of his relative, 86-year-old Kathleen Kelleher from Aghabullogue, seen with her daughter Mary, at last year's Echo Women's Mini Marathon.
I met a relative of mine briskly walking Coachford's Greenway on Sunday morning. She is Kathleen Kelleher from Aghabullogue. Kathleen had just completed the Echo Women's Mini Marathon by using the wonderful amenity in Coachford to cover the ground required. She's 86 but that didn't hold her back. The walk was no bother to her.
With her daughter, Mary, by her side, once the 6k distance was completed, Kathleen headed back to the family farm in Aghabullogue.
That's the thing about those of us who hail from farming backgrounds, we are a resilient bunch. Age is just a number. I was 50 this week which really only makes me a gorsoon of a fellow in farming terms. I'm still only learning the ropes. I learned this week that choice bullocks on offer at Kilmallock Mart on Monday were €100 a head up on last week's prices. That sounds impressive, even to a young man like me.
Close on 800 cattle and calves were sold at Kilmallock mart this week. "Trade for cattle of all ages was flying," according to a mart source.
54 ringside and online buyers purchased bullocks at the sale on Monday. 64 buyers did business with the mart on Wednesday at the dry cow and heifer sale.
Light store bullocks on Monday sold for up to €820 each or €2.70 per kg. Heavier lots hit €1,280 a head or €2.48 per kg.
Up to €505 was paid for a runner calf (a March born Aberdeen Angus bull).
On Wednesday, dry cows sold for up to €1,230 a head or €1.68 per kg. Heifers made up to €1,120 each or €2.25 per kg.
Dairy stock hit €1,120 (paid for a 3 year dairy cow, time up in a week), while in the suckler ring a 4-year-old purebred Limousin and her purebred bull calf sold for €1,900.
Factory bulls sold for up to €1,400 each.
On this coming Saturday, September 26th, an organic sale will take place at Kilmallock mart beginning at 11 am sharp.
Kilmallock
Monday/Wednesday
5 Hr steers 389kg 820
10 Fr steers 350kg 510
2 Lim steers 498kg 1120
2 BB steers 505kg 1090
3 Lim heifers 348kg 710
1 Fr cow 625kg 900
1 AA cow 400kg 550
