I Farm: “In or around 150 acres at Balrath, Co Westmeath. The weather has been great, unbelievable really. It’s hard to think that we’re in the first week of July and all the first cut is done. This is a special year.”

Stock: “I run sheep and suckler cows. I have 45 sucklers and 130 ewes. I cut back on the sheep a few years ago. I sell the cattle as forward stores at around 18 months or 24 months. I did okay with them last year. They were sold at around 600kg and made in the region of €1,450.”

Beef trade: “The whole beef price issue is very disheartening for everyone involved. It’s not just the big finisher who has felt the pain; it goes all the way back down the line and affects the stores and marts. I hope there’s a good outcome, and soon.”

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Mullingar Show: “The Mullingar Show celebrates its 180th anniversary on 13 July. We have an unusual story in that we own the site at Colleen. We bought it from the Land Commission in 1977 and we have been there since. Not many shows actually own the site outright. We try to be as sustainable as possible, so we built a driving range on the site and we’re always looking to improve. We’re hoping for a great turnout and the fine weather to continue.”

Family: “I’m married to Kathleen and I have three children. My daughter Louise is a nurse and I have two sons, Fr Patrick and Mark. Fr Patrick is a parish priest locally and Mark is a teacher but I imagine he will take over the farm when the time comes.”

Quotable Quote: “Sheep are great but they are hard work; that’s why I cut back. Sometimes, the body isn’t able to do what the mind wants anymore.”