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THE TIES THAT BIND
ushroom producers in County Cavan would be all too familiar with the highquality product supplied by McDon Mushroom Casing in Dungannon, County Tyrone. What they might not know is that McDon boasts very strong GAA ties. ‘Breffni Blue’ caught up with managing director Martin McCourt to get an insight into this successful family-run operation and to examine its GAA links. McDon Mushroom Casing is a familyrun business which was established by James and Mary McCourt in 1977. Since then, the company has gone from strength to strength supplying horticultural peat and mushroom casing soil into the Irish and UK markets. This, of course, includes the Breffni County, where mushroom production is one of the most important local industries. McDon Mushroom Casing has become the leading specialist in the mushroom casing sector in Ireland and further afield. McDon works closely with its customers to ensure that the correct grade of mushroom casing soil is made to the highest quality standards in order to guarantee the grower the highest yields and best quality possible. The production of all mushroom casing soils is backed up by years of experience and McDon Mushroom Casing offers a versatile service, providing the perfect blend whether growing on bags, trays, blocks or shelves. In keeping with its area of expertise, McDon Mushroom Casing is headquartered in a small rural area where the GAA plays a huge role in everybody’s lives. The local club, Derrylaughan Kevin Barrys (DKB), and McDon have enjoyed a close, personal relationship throughout the years, with one of the founder members of ‘The Barrys’ in 1945 being a member of the McCourt family. Since then, numerous members of the McCourt family have served on various club committees. Since McDon was established 36 years ago, it has been synonymous with the local GAA.
McDon Mushroom Casing making a delivery to Cappagh Mushrooms in Cavan, l/r: Declan Goldrick, Jason Goldrick, Johnny Goldrick, Aidan Goldrick, Aidan Goldrick (junior), all from Cappagh Mushrooms
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