The terms of reference of the review of forestry in Co Leitrim are not yet set between the Department of Agriculture, which is paying for it, and the IFA, which demanded it – but the pressure is already on UCD’s Áine Ní Dhubháin, who will carry it out by the end of August.

A senior lecturer in agriculture and forestry, Ní Dhubháin is a highly regarded academic who specialises in researching the socio-economic impacts of forestry.

But several in the industry have noted she is also a de-facto State employee and, through her teaching, has been close to those rolling out the publicly funded afforestation she is now going to review.

As one Teagasc forester put it: “It is like the police investigating themselves.”

IFA forestry chair Vincent Nally told The Dealer: “My own preference would have been someone totally independent.” However, he acknowledged that combining this with Ní Dhubháin’s expertise was “hard to get”.

“The terms of reference must make sure it’s not a desktop study. It has to take into account the sentiment on the ground,” Nally added.

IFA vice-president race heating up

One man I left out of this column last week in relation to the looming IFA elections was Connacht IFA chair Padraic Joyce.

Until now, there had been little to no commentary from the west of the country about the elections.

But I’ve heard it from reliable sources that the Mayo dairy man is looking to run in the next election, not for the top job, but for the vice-president job currently held by fellow dairy man Richard Kennedy of Limerick.

Word has also reached me that Kennedy could be taking a tilt at the title of president, despite previously saying he had no interest in the top job.

Rumour has it that Maura Canning of Galway is also interested in the VP position.

Things are starting to heat up.

Stan flying high

Stan McCarthy is to become the chair of the Ryanair board of directors in 2020, I see.

The former Kerry Group CEO will first become deputy chair in April of this year, before moving on to the role of chair in the summer of 2020. McCarthy joined the board in May 2017.

Meanwhile, I note Angus cattle breeder Michael O’Leary has agreed a new five-year contract as group CEO of the airline.

Stan McCarthy.

Bombe de terre found in Hong Kong

A German hand grenade from World War I was found in a crisp factory in Hong Kong last weekend, I see. The hand grenade had been discharged, but failed to detonate.

It was found in a delivery of spuds from France, which were due to be made into crisps in Hong Kong. In a Tweet, the Hong Kong Police said that they safely detonated the explosive in a drain.

Good to see crisp factory workers had their eyes peeled for a hand grenade masquerading as a humble spud.

Grave plot for two at Monaghan raffle

The Dealer still mopes around his local GAA club, so I know how difficult it is in this day and age to make money. GPS vests, iPads for analysis and warm-weather trips to Dubai don’t grow on trees. I saw that one Co Monaghan club took fundraising to the next level.

Corduff Gaels’ monster auction included all the usual items like All-Ireland tickets, but two prizes caught The Dealer’s eye.

A golden Charolais weanling heifer, as well as a graveyard plot for two in Corduff cemetery went under the gavel. If the location of your eternal resting place matters, and you didn’t fancy that being in Corduff, the winning bidder could choose the neighbouring Raferagh cemetery either. In the end the Charolais sold for €900 to a local farmer and the graveyard plot for two went for €1,500. Some business done.

Beef plan brand

I see the Beef Plan Movement is looking for a brand name to best describe Irish grass-fed suckler beef. Emerald Isle Beef, Bó go Béal, Irish Farmer’s Beef and Truly Mouth-watering Irish Beef are just some of the suggestions it has received.

Meanwhile, as the roadshow continues, questions have been raised about the group. With the talking done, (or maybe continuing), some members are looking for concrete action.

Collins keeping busy

Former IFA forestry chair Pat Collins, who resigned last November citing work and family commitments, has not remained inactive.

On 29 November 2018, he formed a company, Independent Farm Forestry Sales Ltd, based in Clonee, Co Meath. The Roscommon man holds two-thirds of the company’s shares and acts as secretary, with the remaining stake taken by Jim Connolly from Ballysallagh, Johnswell, Co Kilkenny, according to documents filed in the past few weeks.

Collins has remained quiet about the venture so far, but told The Dealer to watch this space.