Michael Berkery has landed himself a plum job in Europe.

The FBD Holdings chairman and former head honcho of the IFA is being appointed to a 12-person high-level group on the simplification of the €450bn European structural and investment funds.

These include structural funds, cohesion funds and regional development funds – all of the big ones. These funds have essentially built modern Ireland since we entered the European Community back in 1971.

It wasn’t a free run for Berkery either. He was selected from more than 350 applicants. Berkery is playing at senior hurling level now. Meanwhile, Michael Treacy’s position as special adviser to EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan was ratified on Wednesday by the College of Commissioners.

The Dealer also understands the Commission has established a sheep reflection group. While the chair has yet to be announced, IFA have already received an invite.