Last surviving founder member of Donegal mart dies

Tommy Elliott, Screen, Donegal P.O., the last surviving founder of Donegal Mart passed away on Feb.5th.

Tommy was born on 30th October 1922, the eldest of a family of 5. He attended Copany school with his neighbours and lived among them for the rest of his life.He became one of the most forward thinking farmers in the county, and , although the land was not great he made the best of what he had.

The first tractors that worked the farms in the townlands were bought and operated by Tommy.
Tilling, mowing, baling hay and silage and transporting animals to and from the mart kept him busy but did not occupy too much time to stop him becoming an excellent breeder and finisher of top class cattle.

Tommy was always available to his neighbours to help and give advice. He would express his views on many subjects in relation to Farming matters.

His concern for his neighbouring farm families brought him to organise meetings and start the process of forming the Donegal Mart. This was done to improve the incomes of local farmers and thanks to Tommy and others Donegal MArt was established in 1969. Tommy was an active member of the committee until illness prevented him attending meetings. Tommy was a gentleman through and through and after expressing his opinion he respected others opinions.

Tommy was for 50years a member of the IFA and took part in the demonstration in the 60′s against agricultural rates. He was one of the contingent that marched from Donegal to Dublin to support his  community.

Tommy Elliott’s contribution to his community will always be remembered by those involved with Donegal Mart and IFA.
Deepest sympathy to his brother Andy and other members of his family.

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