Markets have been at the heart of communities for centuries, and to this day provide opportunities for communities to trade and socialize. They make a positive contribution to the local economy, pro- mote sustainability and serve as inclusive gathering spaces. Sometimes social glue can be a local jam GIY is the engine behind the Cottage Market movement in Ireland. GIY is a not-for-profit social enterprise dedicated to supporting people to grow some of their own food at home, school, work or in the community. Their interest in the Cottage Market movement began when GIY Head of Community Development Karen O’ Donohoe saw much of the Ireland she loved, rapidly changing. “So many communities in Ireland have lost the social glue that holds them together,” says Karen. “There are less and less opportunities to gather and socialise as small independent shops close down. We’re losing our knowledge and appreciation of basic life skills such as growing, cooking, and some would argue conversing, and as a result we are increasingly disconnected from our food, each other and the responsibility we all have for the people and places around us.” Ireland is quickly learning that Cottage Markets help communities to develop from the inside out, as each village or town creates a market that reflects the diverse skills and interests of its local people. They work in harmony with other community initiatives towards cohesive community develop- ment. They promote community spirit and support the development of grass roots enterprises. Cottage Markets typically offer a great mix of homemade, homegrown and hand-crafted food, arts and crafts. They are eclectic, unique and welcoming. Stallholders and clientele are mostly made up of the families, groups and individuals from the area, with visitors and passers-by dropping in. The Cottage Market concept is all about bring- ing people from a local area together to showcase their skills, interests and talents, from growing to sewing, baking to knitting, wood turning to jam making. Cottage Markets give people a real sense of belonging and from that place anything is possible. early Success Eimear Cullen, the force behind The Cottage Market Drogheda and member of GIY Drogheda, jumped at the opportunity. Even while working full-time as a teacher in New Cross College, Finglas she pursued her dream to start The Cottage Market Drogheda. “It’s something I always wanted to do. Having the support from Karen and the GIY brand name behind me gave me the confidence I needed to actually go ahead with it. They provided me with materials, flyers, banners and tables as a starter package to kick it all off but it was actually the enthusiasm from Karen that really pushed me to do it.” The Cottage Market Drogheda celebrated its 1st birthday in March, 2017 and is a testament to Eimear’s determination, and ability to garner sup- port for her cause. Every month, when the market is on, Eimear can rely on her local GIY group to man the gate, run a stall and give her a helping hand with running the market. Building on the success of the Cottage Market Ladysbridge, Drogheda and Headford, GIY were selected to as a recipient of The Ireland Funds 2016 Flagship Grant. connect 2017 • 19 “The Cottage Market here in Headford has had such a positive impact, both economically and socially. The social aspect of our market is vital as so many rural towns and communities in Ireland need this. It has brought folks together that normally would not have met. On Cottage Market days you look around and there are people from all walks, ages and origins and all are as wel- come as the sun. We are very grateful to GIY and The Ireland Funds for all their help and support.” — Cait McMahon, Black River Wild Foods