A few farmers sent me messages saying “thank you” regarding last week’s column about veganism. Then I was thinking to myself: “What are they thanking me for, the farmer that is? Are they not fit to speak up for themselves?”

No is the answer. Because for whatever reason, farmers, as a collective from my observations, seem generally slow in promoting what they do. They are, by nature, shy. Head down. Tell nobody anything. Steer clear of hassle. And yet statistics show, as per one of those Eurobarometer surveys, that two thirds of Irish people support the concept of CAP.

Whether it’s to do with the environment, animal welfare or farm supports, farmers are an easy target for campaigners who enjoy a cheap pop every now and again. Yet, farmers just suck it up even when the trolls and pops are unjustified, unqualified and, in many cases, plain wrong.

Yes, there are farmers who aren’t kind to the environment and there are farmers who treat their animals badly, but these guys are in the tiny minority. In all walks of society there are rogues and rascals. Even so, there is this old wheeze that farmers are just, well, a bunch of whingers. Sure don’t they even joke about this themselves? It’s the nature of the business they are in that they must continuously lobby Government (like many other professions) for better pay and conditions.

Aren’t there hundreds of thousands of public and private sector workers who have unions fighting the good fight for them on the airwaves every day of the week? Yet it’s the farmers who are colloquially known as whingers.

So isn’t it time that farmers who feel under siege from criticism, vegans being the latest antagonists on their case, began to fight back? For those who play by the myriad of rules they must weave through to actually get paid, then why shouldn’t they stand up for themselves and what they do, producing food for the rest of us and in the full knowledge that the vast majority of citizens have their back.

What are they ashamed of, so as to allow their good name be freely and disproportionately sullied? It goes without saying that we must hold farmers and the agricultural industry to account. We must ensure that they abide by the basic rules regarding food safety, the environment, animal welfare and so on. But in the main they do.

Agriculture and farming held together during the worst recession in living memory and continues to keep rural communities in the black. So why are they, as a profession and as families, so lethargic when it comes to standing up for themselves a bit better without fear of ridicule? They shouldn’t have to take it. CL

Sporting memories

If I was asked right now to draw up a list of 10 of my all-time favourite sporting “moments/memories” from over the years, they would be, in no particular order: Owen Mulligans “magic” goal against Dublin (2005), John Treacy Olympic silver medal (1984), Ray Houghton’s goal against England (1988), Dennis Taylor’s world snooker final black (1985), Manchester United’s Champions League win (1999). Dublin V Mayo All Ireland final (2017). Packie Bonners save (1990), Michael Carruth’s Olympic gold medal (1992). Ryan Giggs’ FA Cup semi final goal (1999).

As and from last Saturday, I’ll add Jonathon Sexton’s drop goal against France. It certainly will make Reeling in the Years 2018. But whatever about the actual drop kick, what we shouldn’t forget is his far more ballsy cross field kick during the 41 phases and the wonderful catch by Keith Earls to keep possession. Magnifique.