Hub of communty at Naas Country Market 

ON FRIDAY mornings at 9.30 am, dedicated customers of Naas Country Market line up outside the Moat Theatre to grab the best of the limited, fresh, and home-produced goods available.

The community-run market which has been ongoing since 1952 has seen many changes since its heyday as top producer of freshly baked cakes, scones and bracs, and of course, bouquets of flowers.

But one thing that has remained the same throughout its tenure is a wonderful sense of community among its members and customers.

Naas Country Market veterans Anna Sage, Frances Greene and Hillary Pallister sat down with the Kildare Nationalist for a lovely chat over a cup of coffee and a few slices of cake to provide insight into the weekly market which has been running for over 70 years.

Anna, who has been part of the group for 44 years and who is the National Treasurer of Country Markets Ltd, started out baking items for sale, but has since been known to sell an assortment of items, including eggs, fruit and flowers.

Frances Greene is the coordinator of all flower sellers and has been involved in the market for 33 years. She is known for her plants, cut flowers and jars of honey.

Hillary Pallister, the market’s Public Relations Officer, who comes from a farming background has been selling at the market for some 35 years, and sells marmalades, chutneys, house plants and perennials.

The three ladies explained the markets beginnings which started at Friary Lane as an open-air market selling free-range eggs in the 50s, which moved to the former St John’s Hall on the Kilcullen Road, before eventually settling down at its home: the Moat Theatre.

In the beginning, vendors hoping to sell their produce at the popular Naas market would be placed on a waiting list.

Frances explained that at that time supermarkets and shops did not sell flowers, and so Naas locals would look forward to getting their fresh, locally produced bouquets from the Naas market.

“We would sell three times as many flowers then as we would now,” she said.

Although the market has quietened down a bit compared to before, visitors can still avail themselves of a delicious assortment of cakes, fresh free-range eggs, jams, marmalade, and even knitted items like hats, scarves and crocheted blankets.

The members are a close-knit bunch who describe the market as “very social”. Members regularly meet for coffee during the week and support each other however they can.

“We are very lucky to be here,” said Anna. “And we have some wonderful bakers and fantastic producers here. Everything is produced no more than 10km away.” 

“There’s no miles on the vegetables!” added Hillary.

Unlike most market set ups, Naas Country Market sells all items collectively, and all vendors help out with each other’s items as if they were produced from their own hands.

“It’s a cooperative effort,” said Frances. “We all help each other,” seconded Hillary.

The Naas market is part of a larger Country Markets Ltd, who manage 25 markets nationwide, including one in Kildare Town.

Anna Sage explained that they are always looking for new vendors to join the family.

“We would like to get young people in. We have actively been looking for people to join the last three years.” The market is specifically on the hunt for vegetable sellers, but are not limited to just that.

Anna explained that vendors don’t pay weekly for a stall. Instead, a flat insurance fee of €40 per year. The market also takes 10% of sales each Friday to help with running costs.

The model is: sellers sell what they have, and when it runs out – it runs out. This could look like 10 jars of jam, a couple trays of eggs, or one box of brownies.

The most important thing is for Naas Country Market is community. To get people out into the heart of Naas to socialise, share locally produced goods, and meet some lovely people.

“Come and see us,” said Frances. “Meet a friendly face and let someone guide you around.”