Farm Week 2008

Click on a date to listen to a show.

Programme 51: 27th December 2008

On this extended farmweek, there is a mix of archive interviews from Farmweeks of Christmas past. There is also choral music from entries to this years RTE Lyric FM Carols for Christmas competition. Katherine O Leary and John Arnold reflect on Christmas time. And members of the Third Age Foundation in Summerhill County Meath remember their childhood days at Christmas.

Programme 50: 19th-20th December 2008

On Farmweek this week, Damien O Reilly spends an afternoon in the company of Cardinal Sean Brady Primate of All Ireland on the home farm where he grew up in Laragh County Cavan.

Programme 49: 12th December 2008

On Farmweek this week, the pork crises. In studio to assess the events of the week are Paddy Wall, Professor of Public Health in UCD, Pat O Keeffe Deputy Editor of the Farmers Journal and David Markey, Publisher of Irish food magazine.

Programme 48: 5th December 2008

On farmweek this week, Damien O Reilly chats to Teresa Murphy or "Nurse Murphy" as she is better known. She is a retired diestrict Nurse from Dooks, Killorglin, County Kerry. She talks about her life and times as a district nurse while she also gives her strong views on issues such as the current banking crises and the problems in the health sector. The interview was recorded at her home in Dooks.

Programme 47: 28th November 2008

On farmweek this week, we hear from angry sheep farmers as they protest outside the Department of Agriculture in Dublin. Poet Seamus Heaney reads a poem from the new book on his life, Stepping Stones. We preview the upcoming Radio Documentary called "My Cappoquin Chickens" which follows poultry producer Ned Morrissey as he brings his last chickens to the factory before the factory clsoed. And Katherine O Leary talks about a recent family reunion in her radio column.

Programme 46: 21st November 2008

On Farmweek this week, former inter county footballers Vinny Claffey of Offaly and Liam Harnan of Meath talk about their farming and football. Both were named on the Farmers Journal Football Fifteen team and were honoured at a function in Athlone last weekend. Frances Shanahan reports from the big farmer rally which took place in Carrick On Shannon on Sunday last. And Minister for Agriculture Brendan Smith on the Common Agricultural Policy changes agreed in Brussels during the week.

Programme 45: 14th November 2008

On farmweek this week, Damien O Reilly spends an afternoon in the company of Johnny "Porridge" O Connor, a farmer and local county councillor from Killorglin County Kerry.

Programme 44: 7th November 2008

On farmweek this week, Damien O Reilly visits the mart in Elphin. We also speak to County Roscommon builder Pauric Mulhaire about why farmers and builders will not be able to meet the deadline of December 31st for the completion of buildings under the farm waste management scheme.

And County Sligo Farmer John Anthony Cogan shows us around his mixed farm near Riverstown.

Programme 43: 31st October 2008

On Famweek this week Damien O Reilly visits the National Museum of Country Life in Tulough Park, Castlebar, County Mayo. We also get reaction to the budget cuts in farming from County Mayo livestock farmer Michael Biggins. We hear from ninety year old Castlebar man Billy Caufield and Katherine O Leary of the Farmers Journal has another radio column.

Programme 42: 24th October 2008

On farmweek this week, Damien O Reilly reports from the world food fair at SIAL in Paris.

Programme 41: 17th October 2008

On farmweek this week, Damien O Reilly talks to Tom Arnold Chief Executive of Concern. Concern is 40 years old this year and to celebrate, former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan was in Dublin this week to speak at a special conference on fighting hunger, which was organised by Concern. Further details can be found on www.concern.ie

Programme 40: 10th October 2008

On farmweek this week, Michael O Connor of Cappoquin Chickens on the new plans for the business. Frances Shanahan reports from the Ballinasloe Horse Fair. What do farmers make of the publication of their subsidy entitlements? And Damien O Reilly visits an award winning dairy farm in County Meath.

Programme 39: 3rd October 2008

On Farmweek this week, Damien O Reilly's guest in studio is Fine Gael MEP and former broadcaster Mairead McGuinness.

Programme 38: 26th September 2008

On farmweek this week, Damien O Reilly reports from the National Ploughing Championships at Cuffsgrange in County Kilkenny.

Programme 37: 19th September 2008

On this edition of Farm Week, Donna O'Sullivan meets staff and students of the Organic college in Dromcollogher, Co.Limerick, in this National Organic Week.

Programme 36: 12th September 2008

In this weeks programme Donna O'Sullivan walks a drenched Kerry bog with Mikey Teehan and John Mulvihill, where the turf is too wet to harvest.

She meets the local postman in Glenbeigh, who hears all the scandal but keeps it all to himself, and she visits Cahills Traditional Farmhouse Family Cheeses in Newcastle West, from where the handmade cheddar travels all over the world.

Programme 35: 5th September 2008

With the fate of Cappaquin Chickens in West Waterford in the balance Farm Week talks to a number of poultry producers whose livelihood is also at stake.

And presenter Donna O'Sullivan visits a fruit farm in North Cork, that pays special attention to bio-diversity and specially plants a range wild flowers that attract a huge variety of bird and insect life.

Programme 34: August 29th 2008

In this weeks programme Donna O'Sullivan hears from micro -biologist Dr. Charlie Spillane, of UCC

Who says that there is no scientific evidence that genetically modified food products are a cause for concerns, and they are the best way forward for a competitive and sustainable future for irish agriculture.

The IFAs Fintan Conway gives a progress report on harvesting around the country , in the worst conditions in twenty years.

And Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe takes a nostalgic walk through his native village of Cullen, in North cork, and his country roots.

Programme 33: 22nd August 2008

Programme 32: 15th August 2008

Programme 31: 8th August 2008

Farm Week features the Failte Ireland Dublin Horse show

Frances Shanahan talked to Michael Duffy Chief executive of the RDS.

On the trade stands she spoke to James Sales from the company " In the saddle", which markets riding holidays around the globe. She met Ellen from Sweeden who was marketing goat hair shawls and to Paddy Huges who was selling horse feed supplements.


Vere Phillips, a well know buyer from England revealed that he had purchased five horses at the show, while Carol Rice from Northern Ireland talked about the high prices paid for ponies at the show.
American groom Curry Gafkin talked about the work that goes on behind the scenes at an international show .
Equine commentator Kieran O Donovan marvelled at the high standard of our young showjumpers and young riders.

Programme 30: 1st August 2008

Frances Shanahan talks to Sean Aylward from Mullinavat in Co Kilkenny. Sean bred two horses who have qualified for the Olympic games.

She meets Donal Fordham a potato grower from Kilcolgan in Galway.

Minsiter Brendan Smith outlines what happened at the World trade talks in Geneva,

And artisan food producer Pru Rudd from Tipperary talks about starting over, after the family food business collapsed.

Programme 29: 25th July 2008

Frances Shanahan talks to Mark Flanagan , Ballyboughil, County Dublin about the introduction of Harness Racing to Dundalk Racecourse on 27th July and 10th August.

Joan Nugent , The Castle Country House, Millstreet, Dungarvan discusses the current tourist season and how it's affecting the owners of farm guesthouses.

Financial consultant , Phillip Farrelly reviews how farmers have fared with their forays into property and the stock market .

And the IFA welcome the French Prime Minister to Ireland.

Programme 28: 18th July 2008

Frances Shanahan talks to Michael Conry about the original soil survey carried out by An Foras Taluntais.

Alex Copeland of Birdwatch Ireland discusses the demise of the Barn Owl. He would like to hear about sightings of barn owls. Contact Birdwatch Ireland in Banagher, Co Offaly.

Economist Brendan Riordan talks about the value of the agri-food industry to the economy.

Jurg Meuller, a herbal practitioner describes the herbal teas that he prepares and he explores the possibility of growing medicinal herbs as an alternative farm enterprise. His herbal teas are sold under the brand name Solaris and are widely available.

Programme 27: 4th July 2008

Frances Shanahan visits the Irish Equine Centre in County Kildare to find out about DNA testing of horses.

She talks to Michael Gaynor, a lettuce grower based in County Kilkenny.

And she meets hat maker Suzie Mahony, who works from a studio in the heart of County Galway.

Programme 26: 27th June 2008

On farmweek this week, the fall out from the No vote to Lisbon. Will Irish Agriculture suffer as a result? In studio, MEP Mairead McGuinness, farmer and braodcaster PJ Nolan and President of the ICMSA Jackie Cahill discuss how Irelands negotiating power around the council of farm ministers may be affected. The panel also discuss the continuing tragedy of on farm accidents and the effects of the recession on part time farming.

And in her radio column, Katherine O Leary talks about the effects of the death of a loved one.

Programme 25: 20th June 2008

On farmweek this week, Damien O Reilly visits the mart in Ballinrobe where among those he speaks to is local farmer Padraig Nally. . In November 2005 he was sentenced to 6 years in jail for the manslaughter of John Ward. His conviction was quashed in October 2006 and, in December 2006, he was found not guilty of manslaughter.

And Dr Martin McAleese and GAA President Nickey Brennan talk about the new GAA Social Initiative aimed at tackling rural isolation particularly among elderly men.

Programme 24: 13th June 2008

On farmweek this week, Professor Patrick Wall, head of the European Food safety authority explains why he thinks that meat and bone meal should be fed to pigs and chickens. This is because of the scarcity of grain for human consumption.

And Food Economist Ciaran Fitzgerald who is chairman of Meat Industry Ireland talks about the threat to Irish farming at the WTO talks.

Programme 23: 6th June 2008
On farmweek this week, Damien O Reillys guest is author Alice Taylor who has jsut had her lastest book, "The Parish" published.

Programme 22: 30th May 2008
On farmweek this week, Damien O Reilly is at the Bloom garden show at the Phoenix Park. Also, the world of agribusiness turned out in large numbers last week for a major fundraiser in aid of the Haiti Childrens Orphanage. Former Bord Bia executive Maeve Bracken is heading to Haiti for two years to work with orphans in the Carribbean country. They money raised at the fundraiser in Shelbourne Park will go towards the buidling of a TB unit in Haiti. Among those who turned out to support Maeve were her lifelong friend and fellow Clara native, An Taoiseach Brian Cowen. And former Minister for Agriculture Joe Walsh talks to Damien about life after politics.

Click here for photo.

Programme 21: 23rd May 2008
On farmweek this week, Damien O Reilly is in Bartlemy County Cork to talk to local farmer, historian, poet, writer and GAA activist John Arnold.

Programme 20: 16th May 2008
On farmweek this week, Damien O Reilly pays a visit to Bawnboy in County Cavan, the home village of new Minister for Agriculture Brendan Smith. He meets family and neighbours of the new Minister. Minister Smith also talks about the challenges facing him in his new post.

Programme 19: 9th May 2008
On farmweek this week, Her Excellency President Mary McAleese talks to Damien O Reilly about rural isolation. This is an issue which is very close to her heart. Along with her husband Dr Martin McAleese, President McAleese is supporting a new initiaitve to tackle the issue of rural isolation among older males living alone in isolated circumstances. The GAA Social Initiative has the support of the GAA and the Irish Farmers Association.

The new GAA Social Initiative, officially launched at the GAA Annual Congress last month, will devise a programme of GAA-themed events aimed specifically at older men living alone in rural areas. The initiative came about as a result of Dr Martin McAleese contacting RTÉ Radio 1's Farm Week programme after hearing one of its series of programmes on the issue of rural isolation.

Speaking to Damien O'Reilly on Farm Week President Mary McAleese describes her first hand experience of rural isolation;

"I often attend senior citizens' events and one of the things that would perplex me would be the vast number of women and the small number of men at these events. I would ask 'where are all the men'?

Click here to see the photos

Programme 18: 2nd May 2008
On farmweek this week Damien O Reilly reports from Kentucky where Alltech held their 24th annual symposium. Alltech is an animal nutrition business which is owned by Irish man Dr Pearse Lyons. Also on the programme, Damien O Reilly meets Cork man Jim Fitzgerald who owns a major horse stud Knockgriffen just outside Lexington in Kentucky - See photos here.

Programme 17: 25th April 2008
Farmweek this week was presented by Frances Shanahan featuring show jumping, ploughing and maize growing. And Michael Berkery Chairman of FBD pays tribute to FBD chief executive Philip Fitzsimons who died suddenly on April 19th.

Programme 16: 18th April 2008
On farmweek this week, Damien O Reilly's guest is the Minister for Agriculture Mary Coughlan.

Programme 15: 11th April 2008
On farmweek this week, Damien O Reilly meets Eddie Moroney. Eddie became infamous for his biased and curse laiden commentary of the 1993 Tipperary Under 21 football final. The grainy video became the stuff of legend. This weeks programme includes some hillarious clips from the video.

We also hear about a novel fundraising campaign for the Laura-Lynn childrens hospice. Cousins Jill and Louise Barrett will drive a New Holland tractor to every county in Ireland to raise money. Further details can be found on www.tractorontour.com .

And in her monthly column, Katherine O Leary of the Farmers Journal reflects on the busy calving season on the O Leary farm

Presented by Damien O'Reilly, Farm Week takes a look at the big issues relating to farming and food matters each Friday night at 10pm and repeated on Saturday morning at 8.30am.

Programme 14: 4th April 2008
On farmweek this week, we return to the issue of rural isolation. Have changes to the drink drive laws, the closure of post offices and garda stations, the tight planning laws and the decline in farming done anything to enhance the lives of older people living in rural Ireland.

Joining Damien O Reilly in studio will be Sean MacConnell (Agriculture Correspondent with the Irish Times), Eugene McGree (former editor of the the Longford Leader) and Paidi O Se (former Kerry All Ireland medalilist and publican in Ventry).

Programme 13: 28th March 2008
On this weeks programme presented by Donna O Sullivan we take a look at the difficulties faced by farmers who find their paperwork a burden, and how Tippereary based Deerpark Farm Services run by Angela Lacey can sort out the trickiest of problems.

Also Sean O'Leary of the I F A's Climate Change project Team talks about how Irish farmers can play a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Presented by Damien O'Reilly, Farm Week takes a look at the big issues relating to farming and food matters each Friday night at 10pm and repeated on Saturday morning at 8.30am.

Programme 12: 21st March 2008
On farmweek this week, Damien O Reilly reports on the tragic story of Kevin McGarry from County Roscommon. Twenty year old Kevin went to New Zealand to work as a farm hand. Then in November last year, he had a motor bike accident while heading to round up cows for milking. He lost both his legs after becoming trapped under the bike which went on fire. We hear about a story of heartache and courage as Kevin aims to get walking again with the aid of prosthetics.

A trust fund has been set up to help the McGarry family pay for the ongoing medical care and attention Kevin will require.

Cheques can posted to the Kevin McGarry Accident Fund, Bank of Ireland, Main Street, Boyle, Co Roscommon or lodged to Bank of Ireland, account number 79473117, sort code 90-53-28.

Also this week, the President of the ICMSA Jackie Cahill on why farmers incomes from subsidies should not be made public. And Joe Higgins of the socialist party gives his view on the thorny issue of publishing the ammount of money Irish farmers get in European tax payers money each year.

Programme 11: 14th March 2008
On farmweek this week, Damien O Reilly is back in County Kilkenny to meet farming brothers John and Jimmy Staunton. They first spoke on the programme back in October. This week the talk about farming, old times and their hobbies outside farming.

Programme 10: 7th March 2008
On farmweek this week, Damien O Reilly visits County Kilkenny race horse trainer and drystock farmer Michael Bowe as he prepares to bring his horse Sweet Kiln to Cheltenham next week. We also hear from the local children in Gattabawn National School who are also looking forward to seeing their local horse take on the rest at the Cheltenham festival.

Programme 9: 29th February 2008
On farmweek this week, Damien O Reilly reports from the IFA protest outside the Dublin headquarters of the EU on Tuesday. Professor Gerry Boyle, director of Teagasc is in studio to talk about farming issues on the 50th anniversary of the founding of An Foras Taluntas. And in the first of a new series, journalist, farmer and special needs activist Katherine O Leary talks about the scourge of illegal dumping in the countryside.

Programme 8: 22nd February 2008
On farmweek this week Damien O Reilly talks to the Dr Pearse Lyons, Director of Alltech, one of the worlds largest animal nutrition businesses. Alltech will also sponsor the 2010 World Equestrian Games. Their headquarters are in Lexington, Kentucky. Dr Lyons who is originally from Dundalk set up Alltech in 1980.

Also this week, following last weeks programme about rural isolation in County Kerry, we find out more about Positive Age Action, an organisation in Cavan and Monaghan which runs activities for senior citizens living in rural parts of both counties

Programme 7: 15th February 2008
On farmweek this week, Damien O Reilly travels to Kerry to discuss the growing problem of rural isolation in the county. Its an issue which is common all over the country. A combination of falling farmer numbers in rural areas, the closure of amenities such as shops and post offices and the tightening of the drink driving laws has left many particularly elderly people and bachelors more isolated than before.

Programme 6: 8th February 2008
On farmweek this week, Ïs Organic food all round, better than conventional food? In studio, former Teagasc plant specialist Dr Con O Rourke and Grace Meagher of the Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association debate the topic. We also get the opinon from people on the streets of Cork. We speak with Pat Lalor an organic farmer from County Westmeath and Margot Brennan of the Irish Nutritional and Dietary Association give their opinions.

Programme 5: 1st February 2008
On farmweek this week, Damien O Reilly spends an afternoon on the farm of Katherine and Tim O Leary, Blarney County Cork. Katherine is well known to readers of the Irish farmers Journal, writing a weekly column titled Katherines Country. Katherine has recorded some of her favourite columns for broadcast on farmweek throughout 2008. These will be broadcast on the first Friday/Saturday of each month on farmweek. To mark this link up with Katherine and the farmers journal, Damien meets Katherine and her family at their home where they discuss a whole range of topics about farming and family life.

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Programme 4: 25th January 2008
On farmweek this week, Damien O Reilly meets the EU Agriculture Commissioner Marian Fischer-Boel in Berlin where she addresses a number of issues relating to farming and of particular interest to Irish farmers.

Damien O Reilly also speaks to Mike Wilson, editor of US magazine Farm Futures about who American farmers would like to see as the next President of the USA.

Programme 3: 18th January 2008

Programme 2: 11th January 2008

Programme 1: 4th January 2008
The programme featured a farm walk with hill farmer Neilly O'Leary in west Cork, and an interview with wool fashion designer Bebhinn marten who talked about the demise of the wool/textile industry in Ireland.