heatwave Archives - traleetoday.ie

Mike Lynch and Gavin Wadding at Wadding's Butchers, Manor, on Tuesday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean — Mike Lynch and Gavin Wadding at Wadding’s Butchers, Manor, on Wednesday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean

WHILE the fine weather might not be good for some businesses in the town centre, as everyone heads to the beach, butchers are doing a roaring trade.

We visited some of them to ask how sales have gone since the heatwave started and for any barbecue tips.

“It’s very busy in the barbecue section alright,” said Mike Lynch of Waddings Butchers over in Manor.

“Burgers, chicken, sausages…anything you can put on a barbecue people will buy in the past week. It’s going really well so we’ll make hay while the sun shines,” he said.

Any tips for a good barbecue?

“Always put the burgers on first because the little bit of fat drops down and gives you your flame and that’ll give extra flavour to the rest of your meats,” said Mike.

Over in Seamus O’Sullivan’s Butchers in Manor West the story was similar.

“Barbecue sales are definitely flying. People make the most of the fine weather we have because it’s so unpredictable,” said Seamus.

“We’re well stocked up to give people what they want, from burgers to marinated chicken and kebabs. I suppose the value items like the burgers and sausages are the best sellers,” said Seamus.

Seamus O'Sullivan at his butcher shop in Manor West on Tuesday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean — Seamus O’Sullivan at his butcher shop in Manor West on Wednesday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean

So what’s the key to a good barbecue sausage?

“Timing is everything. Make sure the barbecue is well heated and on 10-15 minutes before you put anything on to it.

“But really it’s a matter of giving them a prod with the fork, keep an eye on them and keep turning them to make sure they’re evenly cooked,” said Seamus.

Maguire’s Butchers in Caherslee are also benefitting from the fine weather.

“It’s going very good. Since the middle of last week things have been excellent,” said Enda Gee at the shop.

“People are coming into the shop in better form too. They’re smiling and it’s a pleasure to serve them. There’s a great range of barbecue meats now so you’re not restricted to just the burger and sausage anymore, but they’re still the biggest sellers,” said Enda.

And the master tip?

Donnacha Galvin in front of some of the barbecue meats at Terry's Butchers, Oakpark. Photo by Dermot Crean — Donnacha Galvin in front of some of the barbecue meats at Terry’s Butchers, Oakpark. Photo by Dermot Crean

“If I was in a rush I’d put the meat in a hot oven for 15 minutes before throwing it on the barbecue. You’re not worried then that you’ll undercook it,” said Enda.

Over in Oakpark, Terry’s Butchers were also

“It’s crazy, the barbecue stuff is flying out the door, we’re only trying to keep up with the demand,” said Donnacha Galvin. “The lamb kebabs especially are big sellers, we can’t keep up with them,” he said.

So with the weather set to continue like this until the end of the week, Donnacha and Co. can expect to be kept on their toes.

Enda Gee and Daniel Casey of Maguire's Butchers, Caherslee with some of the barbecue meats on Tuesday. Photo by Dermot Crean — Enda Gee and Daniel Casey of Maguire’s Butchers, Caherslee with some of the barbecue meats on Wednesday. Photo by Dermot Crean

Laura Kelliher, standing outside the mobile shop which her family have run on Banna Beach for over 40 years. Photo by Gavin O'Connor. — Laura Kelliher, standing outside the shop which her family have run on Banna Beach for over 40 years. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.

YESTERDAY saw the temperatures hit the mid-twenties for the first time this summer, so where else would you go but to hit the beach!

We’re spoiled by the beaches we have in the Tralee area so we headed to Banna and Fenit to talk to people on what’s so special about their chosen beach.

“I prefer to go to Banna, because the beach is bigger and there is a better atmosphere here, Fenit is just a pier really!” said Claire McCarthy on Banna Beach.

Claire Fitzmaurice who was on the beach with her three young children at Fenit had other ideas on which was the better beach.

“It’s a small area that has better facilities, for babies to three year olds. It’s much easier to bring them here, there’s also a cafe which is very handy, Fenit is always my first choice,” she said.

“Sunday, Monday and Tuesday have been very good, it’s all got to do with weather obviously,” said Laura Kelliher who runs the mobile shop in Banna’s carpark.

A shop has been run on the site by the same family for over 40 years. For Laura, who’s father and grandfather worked there in years previous, this will be her 22nd summer working at the shop.

“Once the sun comes out, the beach is the place to go,” Laura said.