Countryside Alliance Ireland - love the countryside

It is very sad that the last few days have been used by those in the media who continually look for opportunities to attack country sports latched on to a photograph of Rachel Allen from Ballymaloe and tried to tarnish the good name of shooting and indeed Ballymaloe itself. 

Rachel is but one of 350,000 people in Ireland who participate in a range of sustainable country sports activities and were doing so on the day in question. Indeed many of our driven shoots provide much welcome revenue for our country and especially the local communities where they are situated.  

Driven shoots also provide many pubs, restaurants and supermarkets with superb wild game that is the pinnacle of healthy eating. Game is wild, natural and free range with a distinctive flavour making it a great alternative to beef, pork, lamb and chicken. And, as its low in cholesterol and high in protein Game is one of the healthiest meats available today. For example, venison, with its brilliant taste and extra lean meat, is perfect for anyone on a low fat diet. 

Lyall Plant, Chief Executive Countryside Alliance Ireland, said; “Those attacking Rachel and indeed Ballymaloe have been using bully boy tactics and if they were in primary school would be immediately expelled for their conduct. These people are in the minority and are completely unaware of the ethics of country sports and the vital part they play in conservation and maintaining our habitats for other birds and animals”. 

The countrysports fraternity completely condemns the actions of these individuals and we wish to lend our full support and that of our membership to Rachel and Ballymaloe House.