(07)Ear To The Ground (Series 25, Programme 14)
Thursday 15th February 2018
RTÉ One,
8.30pm
* Please note the FORESTRY story was originally in programme 13
FARM SALE HIT BY FLOODING
Back in 2009, Ear To The Ground visited a farmer in Co Offaly who had been hit badly by the Winter floods. Paddy Towey’s farm in Shannon Harbour took the brunt of the bad Winter and he had a huge clean-up operation on his hands.
Unfortunately, Paddy had no idea at the time that what he experienced then was only the beginning for his home and the land that gave him his livelihood. Since we saw Paddy in 2009 his land has been flooded twice more and this has left him devastated. The damage was so severe that Paddy can no longer even live there. Now he has land that he would love to sell but cannot do so.
Helen Carroll went to Co Offaly to see the effect these consistent floodings have had on Paddy and his farm.
GUN DOG TRIALS
In November 2017 the European Championships For Irish Red Setters On Snipe took place in Co Westmeath. This competition is based on how the dogs work the bog and at the end of the four days the best of the best are decided on by the experienced judges. It is the first time in decades that the competition has moved from France and it was a source of much excitement for dog enthusiasts in Ireland.
The trials are run under the rules of the Irish Kennel Club and use snipe, which are plentiful and don’t get hurt. Jim McCormack was one of the organisers of the 2017 championships which were held on the bog beside his house. Jim told Ear to the Ground how delighted he is to see how the sport is growing and becoming more popular both here and in Europe.
Darragh McCullough went to Moate in November to try his hand at the sport and to witness day one of the trials.
FORESTRY
Farmers have worked the land in Co.Leitrim for generations, but things are changing – there’s a forestry boom and plantations are appearing all over the county, but not everyone is on board with it.
The price of land has increased as investors seek to enter the forestry scheme, which is tax free. Some farmers say they can’t expand and grow their business because of a lack of available land. Colm Stenson, a young farmer outside Carrick-On-Shannon, is one of the concerned residents who is struggling to expand his farm due to the lack of land. Colm is a part-time farmer and until he can source reasonably priced land to grow, he will be unable to go fulltime with his passion.
Ella McSweeney travels to Leitrim to meet Colm and to find out more about the reservations in the area.
Ear to the Ground is produced by Independent Pictures for RTÉ.
(Ear to the Ground broadcasts on RTÉ One, Thursdays at 8.30pm. Repeat lunchtime Sunday).
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