I hear Tom McCarthy, manager of both Bandon and Skibbereen marts, is to leave his role with Cork Marts to take up a new position with the Axa agri insurance team.

The popular west Cork man who will be moving on in a few weeks, I'm told.

McCarthy began his mart career as manager of Macroom Mart for two years, before moving to his role in Bandon in 2007.

Renowned as one of the biggest calf-selling centres in the country each spring, McCarthy oversaw significant investment in upgrading Bandon's calf facilities in recent years. In 2009 he also took over as manager of Skibbereen Mart.

Prior to joining Cork Co-Operative Marts he worked for the IFA as a development officer for six years. No doubt his familiarity with the farming sector in the south will stand to him in his new role.