Irish agriculture at a crossroads as beef row drags on

The only outcome of allowing Irish farming to collapse inwards is the emergence of a form of corporate, factory farming which will change the style and quality of Irish produce

Beef farmers have difficulty making breeding pay. Pic: RollingNews.ie
Beef farmers finding it difficult to make breeding pay. Pic: RollingNews.ie

Horses have been jumping in the centre of Dublin for 146 years. Asses and mules were allowed to compete in that first show in 1868, which took place on the lawns of Leinster House. A mere 20 years later, they were building a stand to hold 800 visitors and had moved to a greenfield site in Ballsbridge. By its 30th birthday, there were 800 entries and the show was established asthe Royal Dublin Society’s prestige event.