Newsletter - Summer/Autumn 2001
(Irish Field and Country Sports Society Co. Ltd)

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A selection of articles taken from this organisation's Newsletter.


Countryside Alliance London March

The protest March planned for 18th March earlier this year had to be postponed due to Foot & Mouth outbreaks in England, Scotland and Wales. It was meant to bring political pressure on the UK Government coming up to their General Election in May. Under the present disease conditions it is unlikely to be held this year.

However, the continuing serious rural hardship being experienced all over the United Kingdom as a consequence employment difficulties and of foot & mouth has impacted on the politicians and general public. Awareness of rural issues have been highlighted. It still seems amazing that stringent measures as were introduced in the Irish Republic are still not being considered by the UK authorities. The Irish Field & Country Sports Society have already made a donation to the Countryside Alliance to help pay some of the costs of this event.  (MR)

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FMD in UK.

The total slaughter count is now over 4 million head and almost 2,000 cases confirmed outbreaks. This compares to the outbreak in 1967 when less than 500,000 animals were slaughtered and approximately 1,750 cases were confirmed. It is now thought that there is a serious risk that sheep on moor land are now carrying F & M antibodies and wild goats and deer may incubate the disease making it almost impossible to eradicate it in the near future.

The economic impact is disastrous to many businesses that rely heavily on country pursuits. Commercial coarse and game anglers have estimated losses of the order of £4 million a week. Retail tackle trade reported sales 40% down. Equestrian retail stores report similar effects. The tourism industry has been especially hard hit and many old established Hotels and country guest houses have had to close their doors.

Land values have begun to suffer downward pressure and of course the effect on farmers themselves is traumatic and heartbreaking.
A number of benevolent initiatives have been put in place to help affected farmers, and in our own 26 counties we cannot ignore the hardship of those farming in the Cooley peninsular in County Louth who have had their livestock wiped out.   (MR)

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APPEAL for FMD effected farm families
The Irish Field & Country Sports Society launches a public appeal for the benefit of families directly affected by the loss of their livestock. Please send your donation clearly marked “FMD appeal” to the treasurer of the IFCSS, Michael Ryan & Associates, Rathdrum, Co Wicklow. All donations will be receipted and the fund audited.    (MR)

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MICHAEL JACKSON.

Michael Jackson has been called home. He died on Saturday 28th July aged 84 years. He was born in Ceylon, worked in South India growing tea, served in the forces during the Second World War, and eventually retired to the tranquil Glen of the Downs in Wicklow.
The Society owes Michael a great debt.   With the help of the late Eric Selby the Irish Field & Country Sports Society was established and managed so enthusiastically and professionally. Irish sportsman and woman have enjoyed freedom to participate and enjoy their respective country sports and will never know the extent and amount of political lobby work and the administration that went on behind the scenes for the past forty odd years.

The Society sets out to educate all sections of the community and protect all aspects of rural sports pursuits throughout the 26 counties. Michael Jackson looked after the affairs of the Society in those vital early years, freely serving the sporting community with his knowledge and experience. He was especially fond of all forms of bird life and countryside affairs including conservation issues. Always cheerful and encouraging especially towards younger sportsmen. The Irish Field and Country Sports Society is proud to have a legacy of such a good and faithful servant.

Our sincere sympathy is extended to his widow, Joan and his two daughters Suzanne and Leslie, and his grandchildren. May he rest in peace.    (MR)

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