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.  

The Dogs Trust is offering free microchipping until the end of March 2012, through local councils and vets. 

Under new legislation in Northern Ireland, from April 2012 all dogs must be microchipped.  To avail of this offer, ask your local veterinary practice if they are participating in the scheme, have a look in the local press for information on free microchipping events in your area, or make an appointment with the Dogs Trust Ballymena centre. 

For more information, contact Dogs Trust on 07714 836095 or 028 2563 2820.

It’s that time of year again when we are seeking to elect new members on to the CAI Board. Are you interested? Would you like to play your part in shaping the organisation’s future work? Any member of CAI (over the age of 18) is entitled to stand, whether you are based in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland.   

CAI would encourage any member who feels they can contribute to the work of the organisation to consider standing for election to the Board. Nomination forms for candidates must be returned by midnight on 7^th March 2012 and there are two vacancies to be filled. 

For further information and nomination forms, please telephone: NI: 028 9263 9911 or R of I: 01690 3610, option 5.

The College of Agriculture Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) Greenmount Campus in partnership with The Irish Grouse Conservation Trust (IGCT) are holding a consultation evening to determine support for a proposed Gamekeeping and Land Management Course.  The event will take place on Wednesday 18th January 2012 at Greenmount Campus, Co. Antrim.  

All interested parties are invited to the consultation evening. Please click here for more information.