Painting of final day at former North Cork mart inspires charity cause

Mallow Mart, in the County Cork town, which closed more than 20 years ago, has been brought to life again through a charity fundraising campaign for the Cope Foundation.

The mart, which had played an important part in the Mallow economy, and in the lives of farmers, since it opened, in 1959, ceased operations in 2003.

That last day was memorialised by Cork artist Michael Harnett in a commemorative painting,

The painting has since been in the hands of a local family, who plan to sell framed copies of it and with a portion of the proceeds going to the Cope Foundation.

Connection

The Doyle family has a long standing and strong connection to the charity, with the late Margaret Doyle being a founding member of the Cope Foundation’s first fundraising committee in the town.

Donal Doyle said: “We are so grateful to Cope Foundation and the work they do here in the town.

“Our late brother, Pat, was supported by the organisation for a long time. The care he received was second to none and staff really went above and beyond.

“We are delighted that copies of Michael’s wonderful painting will be sold, with proceeds going to the day centre, as it’s great to be able to give back.

“It’s a lovely full circle moment,” Donal added.

Donal, along with other members of the Doyle family, presented the original painting to local councillor and chair of Kanturk Mallow Municipal District, Pat Hayes, at an event in Market Square earlier this week.

Mary Fogarty, of the Cope Foundation, said: “We can’t thank the Doyle family enough for their kindness and generosity.

“They have shown great commitment to Cope Foundation, and it means so much to us to have their continued support.

“Funds raised will enable people we support to live lives of their choosing, in their chosen community.”

Framed copies of the picture will be sold exclusively in Bohan’s Dry Cleaners in the coming weeks, for €40, with €10 from each sale donated to the Cope Foundation’s day centre in Mallow.