TY student meets Downey

The Dealer had a lovely email from a “huge fan”, Una Sinnott, a transition year student in Colaiste Bhride Carnew Co Wicklow.

She was on work placement on Tuesday in Leinster House with Senator Michael D’arcy (FG) and met the IFA president Eddie Downey. She grabbed a picture and told the Dealer that she would be “over the moon” to be in the Irish Farmers Journal.

ADVERTISEMENT

Meanwhile, I see that Downey was included in an Irish Times compilation of the top 50 most influential people in the governance of Ireland.

Where do dogs that attack sheep go?

I got a call from a sheep farmer who feared that dogs confiscated after attacking sheep are being sold to the UK, where they can do more damage. On speaking to the local dog warden, I uncovered that the majority of dogs caught worrying sheep are, in fact, put to sleep, but that a small percentage – as little as 1% – are given to Dogs Trust, a charitable organisation based in Finglas.

Some are indeed sent to the UK and re-homed in residential areas. However, the new pet owners are notified of the dog’s history so as they will not be returned to a rural setting.

Speirs claims Cavan IFA chairmanship

James Speirs is the new chairman of Cavan IFA after emerging victorious in a contest with Elizabeth Ormiston. Meanwhile, Mary Twomey Casey emerged victorious in an election on Tuesday night to replace Sean O’Leary as the North Cork rep on the IFA Dairy Committee. O’Leary now chairs the committee. She saw off the challenge of Mary Murphy and Liam O’Doherty

Downey makes Ireland top 50 influential

I see that IFA president Eddie Downey was included in an Irish Times compilation of the top 50 most influential people in the governance of Ireland.