Today marked a significant milestone for the English Market as traders past and present celebrated 230 years in business. The special occasion was officially kicked off by Lord Mayor, Cllr Mick Finn who cut the specially made birthday cake.

The celebrations centred on a trip down memory lane and celebrated traders past and present who have made the market what it is today. RED FM broadcasted live from the market and interviewed many traders about how the market has grown and changed over the past two centuries.

Speaking at the event, Lord Mayor, Cllr Mick Finn said “It is a huge honour for me to be here today to kick-start the English Market’s 230th birthday celebrations. The market continues to play a huge part and significant role in our city and to be still going from strength to strength 230 years on is a major achievement. Congrats to all the traders who make this such a special place enjoyed by locals and people the world over.”

Later in the day a flurry of excitement filled the market as some lucky customers were treated to some birthday cake. Other visitors were treated to some spot prizes that were given out throughout the day, and endless fun was had by all the children who each received an English Market ‘Celebrating 230 years’ balloon, a firm favourite to put a smile on any child’s face.

As the activities drew to a close, Órla Lannin, the English Market Manger thanked everyone for coming and acknowledged the memorable day had by all “We were so thrilled to welcome Lord Mayor Cllr Mick Finn here today to do the honours of cutting our birthday cake and kicking off today’s celebrations. Today has been such a fantastic day filled with excitement and emotion as we celebrate this hugely impressive birthday and remember those who have since passed on. We really wanted to celebrate all the traders who have dedicated years of their lives and put in a huge amount of hard work into making the market what it is today, and I think we achieved that. It was great to see so many regular customers and traders both past and present here today sharing their stories of the market over the years and it really makes you appreciate what a huge milestone this actually is and how very proud I am to be a part of this. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank our loyal customers who shop in the Market and continue to support local businesses as without them, none of us would be here”

The English Market, Ireland’s oldest indoor food market, has hosted hundreds of traders over the past two centuries and to pay homage to them and their contributions, the English Market management team have recently commissioned tribute banners that are now hanging from the ceiling in the English Market with pictures of traders both past and present.

Visit www.englishmarket.ie for further information.