The death has occurred of Derick Mockler, former deputy secretary general of the department of Agriculture.

He was, in the early to mid-1970s, Ireland’s agricultural man in the Irish Embassy to the EEC (EU at the time). A gifted linguist, he had an abiding interest in agriculture and helping it meet its Irish potential.

He was an invaluable help to the Irish Farmers Journal in those early days of EEC membership and was always ready to offer assistance in coverage of EU and wider affairs.

May he rest in peace. - MD