I sat in the back row listening to dozens of farmers make impassioned pleas on their situation of missing out on the new young farmer scheme and national reserve because they started farming before 1 January 2010. Despite the fact that these men and women are under 40, they are not classed as “young” by the powers that be in Europe. There were well over 400 farmers in attendance

After the farmers spoke, it was the turn of the politicians to get in on the action. The opposition forces attacked the establishment for leaving this cohort of farmers outside the loop while the representatives for Fine Gael said that talks were continuing to see if a deal can be reached to help these farmers.

The star of the political show was Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan, a member of the European parliament (MEP) representing the area. Flanagan said the group of farmers must not look to the Irish Government to help but rather take the fight to Europe – and he said he can help.

“You need to get out to put your case to the real decision makers and they are the people in Europe... you pay me well, I’ll pay your way out there... I’ll get you before these people,” Flanagan said which was met with thunderous applause from most there. All bar the establishment, naturally.