The Dealer attended the Wild Atlantic Way networking event in Clare last week, where a local man lamented: “If only we could find a scientific use for rushes.”

It seems no sooner had the words been uttered than a helpful soul informed The Dealer the men of Kerry had already done one better.

The straw shortage has proved a source of inspiration to the farmers of Brosna, Co Kerry, who are selling bales of rushes for bedding at €8/bale.