Foot-and-mouth disease on the Cooley Peninsula: cull at the McGreehan family farm.
It is 20 years since the country collectively held its breath and watched helplessly as across the Irish Sea thousands upon thousands of cattle and sheep were slaughtered to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).
As newsreels from the UK showed huge pyres of farm animals being incinerated, with dark ominous clouds belching black smoke in the air, the Irish farming community got to work setting up mats and disinfection points at all farm entrances.
Minister for Agriculture Joe Walsh announces the first case of foot-and-mouth disease in the Republic of Ireland on the Cooley Peninsula.
Fluffy pancakes with mango and banana sauté. \ Photography: Claire Nash. Food styling: Janine Kennedy
This year, St Valentine’s Day and Shrove Tuesday are only two days apart so I have made this a pancake-themed week. There is sweet and savoury and each are delicious any time of the day, or for a breakfast in bed if you are lucky enough.
I like the combination of the sweet fruits and mango and banana go well together. Or you might like to try blueberries or strawberries. A little bit of lemon zest or vanilla added is gorgeous. Use some good Irish honey, or you could try maple syrup, and serve with creme fraîche or yoghurt. Every child loves to flip pancakes and with a little supervision it is great fun.
SHARING OPTIONS:
Joseph Hughes Sr and Joseph Hughes Jr at their farm in Tomacork, Carnew, Co Wicklow. \ Claire Nash
The
Irish Farmers Journal recently visited the Hughes family farm in Carnew, Co Wicklow, where they have just completed over a month’s milking in their new 54- bail Pearson International rotary parlour.
Joseph Jr farms in partnership with his father Joseph Sr and mother Elma, but it is very much a family affair, with his sister Helen and brother Andy helping out in their spare time.
The Hughes family run a tight ship, milking in the region of 300 Friesian cows on 400ac, between owned and rented land. Their plan is to grow the herd this year and calve down 350 cows.
Amii McKeever
Last week, a message popped up on my phone announcing the April arrival of a friend’s baby number four. I joked that I was in awe of his wife.
The reply: “What about me? I deserve that tea and toast too!” I suggested – very strongly – that he should absolutely stay away from that most precious of meals when the time comes.
This was of course all in jest. But I think most would agree that, when in hospital, post-labour or any form of operation, the offer of a simple slice of toast and a hot cup of tea is Manna from heaven. And not just when “Dad toast theft” is a potential threat.