Latest News  Please see the list below for our latest news items, such as press releases, event details, articles etc
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press releases
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Friday, 25 April 2008 |
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Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1 Training Course
21st March 2008  Countryside Alliance Ireland is pleased to announce that the British Deer Society is holding a Level 1 Deer Stalking Training Course on the 7th and 8th and the 14th and 15th of June 2008 at Colebrooke Northern Ireland. The course is based on four days instruction, which includes all assessments and offering successful students the DSC 1 Certificate. The course is delivered by experienced, professional instructors and covers over 20 deer and stalking related subjects.
The cost of the course is £285 and includes all assessment fees, DMQ registration, and a comprehensive 326 page manual.
For details and additional information please contact:
The British Deer Society Training Ltd The Walled Garden, Burgate Manor Fordingbridge, Hampshire SP6 1EF Tel: 01425 655434 or +441425 655434 from the RoI E-mail:
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.bds.org.uk
THE BRITISH DEER SOCIETY ARE LEADERS IN DEER RELATED TRAINING |
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press releases
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Thursday, 28 February 2008 |
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Firearms (Restricted Firearms and Ammunition) Order 2008 - Republic of Ireland
28th February 2008 The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, has issued Statutory Notice No 21 of 2008 and will come into force on the 1st of May 2008. Here is a short summary of what is now on the 'non-restricted' list. Please refer to the S.I. for full detials (click here for the full S.I.). This is meant only to give a general idea of the document. Non Restriced: 1. Blank firing short arms 2. Shotguns with a capacity no greater than three cartridges 3. Centre Fire rifles not exceeding 7.62mm (.308 inch) 4. Certain semi-automatic rim-fire rifles with a magazine capacity of not more than 10 rounds 5. Air operated firearms 6. Silencers for rim-fire rifles 7. Firearms for designated Olympic competitions. Please bear in mind that if a firearm is now restricted it means exactly that - it is restricted, not prohibited. |
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press releases
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Thursday, 28 February 2008 |
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Wildlife (Wild Mammals) (Open Seasons) (Amendment) Order 2008 Republic of Ireland
28th February 2008 The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, has issued the Statutory Instrument No 27 of 2008. The effect of this Order is to include a hunting season for Muntjac Deer by amending the Wildlife (Wild Mammals) (Open Seasons) Order, 2005 (S.I. 550 of 2005). The Statutory Instrument may be viewed by clicking here. |
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press releases
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Friday, 15 February 2008 |
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Bluetongue Detected in Imported Animal
15th February 2008 Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA, today confirmed that bluetongue has been detected in an animal imported from the Netherlands. The animal has tested positive for the virus following routine post-import testing undertaken by DARD. Minister Gildernew said: “I acted decisively yesterday following suspicion of disease, to have the animal slaughtered to minimise any risk to other livestock.” “I have restricted the herd and all of the animals will now be tested for any other evidence of infection. The Department will also now be tracing and testing associated herds. Meanwhile an epidemiological investigation has begun to assess the situation. This investigation will help determine if disease is circulating but at this time there is no evidence to suggest that it is.” “Therefore at this time the North’s ‘bluetongue free’ status remains.” The Minister said: “I cannot stress enough the importance of farmers remaining vigilant for signs of the disease. I would continue to urge all farmers to think very carefully before importing susceptible animals from Bluetongue infected countries. Remember, if you import an infected animal DARD will NOT pay compensation if that animal has to be slaughtered. That advice is now more important than ever - it is the responsibility of farmers to ensure they do not bring Bluetongue to the North.” For further information from the DARD website click here |
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press releases
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Friday, 15 February 2008 |
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Unity is Vital for Hunting in Ireland
1st February 2008 Countryside Alliance Ireland has emphasised the importance of unity within the Irish hunting community following an increase in animal rights pressure on Government to ban hunting. The current campaign by animal rights activists has led to a poll in the Irish Times asking “should the Government ban foxhunting?” This poll shows how high-profile the hunting issue has become within political and media circles.
Countryside Alliance Ireland Chief Executive, Lyall Plant, commented: “As soon as the Hunting Act was passed in England and Wales it was obvious that the animal rights lobby would bring its campaign to Ireland, and here it is. If we are to secure hunting’s future it is vital that we all campaign together to put hunting’s case. There was no evidence to back the current legislation in Britain and there is none here either; attacks on hunting are based on prejudice against rural life, and have no basis in animal welfare.
“Between Countryside Alliance Ireland and The Hunting Association of Ireland (HAI) we have a huge base of support to fight hunting’s corner and it is vital that we campaign together now. I have attended several of the HAI’s recent rallies and the mood is determined – together, we will save hunting for future generations.”
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press releases
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Wednesday, 13 February 2008 |
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Farmers against Fox Hunting and Trespass should Hunt for the Truth
12th February 2008 Although we have become used to the anti hunt organisations promoting their views in a rather subjective and emotive manner in an effort to mislead wider society into supporting their narrow rather simplistic campaign, recent press release by the Farmers Against Foxhunting and Trespass is one of the most outrageous pieces of inaccurate fantasy that has yet to be published on the issue of hunting. The press release is riddled with uninformed comment and downright falsehoods from beginning to end and betrays not only a startling lack of knowledge but also a blatant disregard for the truth on their behalf. The suggestion that the “hunters” were afraid to appear alongside FAFT on the Late Late show is not only sheer fantasy but defies common sense. The true fact is that RTE refused to have hunting’s selected spokesperson on the show. We will not let the media dictate who will represent hunting at media events and it was for that reason and that reason only the Hunting community withdrew its attendance at the Late Late Show. Philip Lynch’s statement that “we cannot hunt without the farmers and landowners permission” is in fact true. However, the irony of the statement is that hunting has never had more popular support throughout Ireland and the majority of landowners and farmers have gladly given their permission for the hunts to cross their land. Indeed hunting exists entirely because of the goodwill of the landowners, farmers and other country people. No-one who goes hunting does anything to jeopardise this goodwill and all hunts in Ireland adhere to a Code of Good Hunting Practice that is approved by their relevant association. Hunting is a highly regulated sport with strictly enforced regulations, endorsed by the statutory authorities and a long history of responsible and lawful behaviour. Lyall Plant Chief Executive Countryside Alliance Ireland said “Our members do go to Punchestown and other racecourses and enjoy other wonderful equine activities. It is because of hunting and indeed the hunts running their Point to Points that horse racing has evolved to the level it is at today. One can only speculate as to why FAFT would write such nonsense. Perhaps it is because they know that any factual, evidence based debate does not support their arguments”. Lyall continued: “We have consistently made it clear that being fair and transparent in a positive way shows the benefit of hunting to our rural economies. We welcome a sensible conclusion to this debate to allow us and others to concentrate on the real crisis in our countryside, which sees farm incomes continue to tumble, rural services eroded and real hardship, develop”. We do not expect everyone to support hunting but we do expect an open, honest, factual and evidenced based debate where genuine concerns can be addressed. Sadly FAFT seems unable to adopt this approach or bring any informed contribution to the proceedings. |
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press releases
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Friday, 08 February 2008 |
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Hunting Debate - NUI Galway 5th March 2008
8th February 2008 There is a major Hunting Debate taking place in the National University of Ireland, Galway on Wednesday, 5th March at 8 p.m. The debate is being jointly organised by the Political Discussion Society and the Literary and Debating Society and is set to be chaired by Mark Little, presenter of RTE's Prime Time. The motion of the debate is: "this house would ban hunting in Ireland". Speaking for the motion is Galway Green Councillor, Niall O'Brolchain and Olivea Lally, Auditor of the NUI, Galway Animal Rights Society. Niall O'Brolchain has been involved in the formation and drafting of the Green Animal Welfare Bill with Trevor Sargent and Minister John Gormley, all who have a vested interest in banning hunting in Ireland. Speaking against the motion will be David Scallan, Chairman of the NUI, Galway Countryside Society and Ph.D. student undertaking research on the impact of country sports on economy and habitat conservation in Ireland along with the Hunting Association of Ireland Ltd Chairman, Gavin Duffy. Amongst the many organisations invited are the Irish Council Against Blood Sports (ICABS) and Animal Rights Action Network (ARAN). It is vitally important for everyone involved in hunting and country sports in the west of Ireland to attend the debate and express their support for hunting in Ireland. It is all our responsibility - United We Stand In Defence Of Our Sport - We will win the vote if we have the people there on the night! Please contact David Scallan if you require any further information regarding the debate. David Scallan Ph.D. Candidate Room 121 Department of Geography National University of Ireland, Galway Ph: +353 (0)91 492665 Mobile: +353 (0)87 9504563 Fax: +353 (0)91 49550 Support Hunting, Support Country Sports and Support our Rural Way of Life |
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press releases
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Friday, 01 February 2008 |
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Abbeyfeale Harriers Hunting Festival
Sunday 17th February – Tom Flemyng’s Bar, Scartaglin, Co. Kerry
Joint Meet of
Scartaglin Harriers & Castletownkenneigh Harriers
Monday 18th February – The Crossroads Bar, Buttevant, Co. Cork
Joint Meet of
Donneraile Harriers & Abbeyfeale Harriers,
Tuesday 19th February - Kate Pats’ Bar, Brosna, Co. Kerry
Macroom Foxhounds
Wednesday 20th February – Lar Hickey’s Bar, Knocknagoshel, Co. Kerry
Carrigshane Harriers
Thursday 21st February - The Goal Posts Bar, Tournafulla, Co. Limerick
Joint meet of
Ibane Harriers & Mosgrove Harriers
Friday 22rd February – Jack O’Grady Memorial Meet
The Railway Bar, Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick
Suir Valley Foxhounds
Saturday 23rd February – Carmody’s Bar, Tarbert, Co, Kerry
Joint meet of
Abbeyfeale Harriers & North Kerry Harriers
Sunday 24th February - John O’Connor Memorial Meet
Lyon’s Bar, Scartaglin, Co. Kerry
Scarteen Foxhounds (The Black & Tans)
ALL MEETS AT 11.00 a.m.
(Hunting is on foot and the quarry is Fox – minimum cap €10.00 per meet)
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press releases
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Sunday, 27 January 2008 |
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9th January 2008 Countryside Alliance Ireland has again written to Minister Gormley seeking an urgent meeting to discuss the "proposed puppy farming regulations" and the implications that it will have on our members and country sports in general. With the recent announcement that an exemption will be put in place for registered hunts we are concerned and deeply dissapointed that law abiding members of the country sports community will be adversely affected by these regulations. We believe that their definition of a breeding establishment "The Group recommends that dog breeding establishments be defined based on the number of female dogs with breeding potential present on the premises. Therefore, a dog-breeding establishment would be defined as “a premises containing more than 5 female dogs, aged over 4 months, with breeding potential” is an attempt to curtail country sports and if implemented without change "would have a detrimental affect on our sporting community and place many of our members in a situation where their country sports pursuits are under threat. Countryside Alliance Ireland is urgently seeking a change to this definition and recommends that this definition of a breeding establishment be changed to reflect what this law is intended to do and that is to isolate and close down all unauthorised “puppy farms”. We recommend that the definition as written be changed to the following. “A breeding establishment means any premises where more than five female dogs over 4 months with breeding potential are kept for the sole purpose of breeding for sale” And that “No person may keep a breeding establishment with more than five female dogs over 4 months with breeding potential are being kept for the sole purpose of breeding for sale without first obtaining a licence.
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press releases
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Saturday, 05 January 2008 |
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Countryside Alliance Insurance Services One of the key benefits of Countryside Alliance Ireland membership is the insurance cover provided within the membership subscription. The insurance package provides Personal Accident cover and Employers' and Public Liability cover for eligible members whilst participating in a range of specific country pursuits that are defined as Recognised Activities. The membership insurance programme has been re-negotiated and placed with new underwriters AIG UK Ltd effective from 1st January 2008. Up to date Cover Summaries are currently being finalised and will be posted on the website in the membership section as soon as available. Members can be assured that the new cover arranged with AIG UK Ltd is no less favourable than the cover currently provided and indeed does offer a number of cover improvements. If you have a question The Countryside Alliance insurance programme is arranged by R K Harrison Insurance Brokers Ltd. If you have any questions at all regarding the insurance cover provided with your membership, please contact R K Harrison on 01234 311255 or 0044 1234 311255 from the Republic of Ireland. Countryside Alliance is an appointed representative of Countryside Alliance Insurance Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority in respect of general insurance business. Please note that neither the Countryside Alliance nor Countryside Alliance Insurance Services Ltd are able to provide personal advice to prospective or actual members concerning the suitability or adequacy of the insurance membership benefits. Consequently you will need to satisfy yourself that the benefits are appropriate for your particular circumstances or seek professional advice. For further information, please call the Countryside Alliance insurance helpline provided by R K Harrison Insurance Brokers Ltd on 01234 311255 or 0044 1234 311255 from the Republic of Ireland. |
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press releases
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Thursday, 03 January 2008 |
CAI appoint Lyall Plant as Chief Executive
3rd January 2008
The Board of Countryside Alliance wishes to announce the appointment of Lyall Plant as Chief Executive. Lyall who has previously held a number of positions within CAI has a long history in country sports and possesses a wide range of professional qualifications that will benefit CAI and its members. His main objectives will be to provide a focused source of information on country sports and the wider rural issues and he will provide a powerful lobbying voice for our members within Dail Eireann and the Northern Ireland Assembly. Update on - Firearms Consultative Panel!
3rd January 2008
CAI attended the second meeting of the FCP at the Department of Justice Offices in Dublin in December 2007. At that meeting it was agreed that the panel would form into three working sub groups. Each group has been given a work plan and have been allocated areas of responsiblility. Sub Group 1 will focus on the individual shooter and customer service. Sub Group 2 will concentrate on the infrastructure of Clubs and Ranges and Sub Group 3 will concentrate on Firearms Dealers. Each Sub Group will formulate a report and submit it to the full FCP for consideration at the next meeting in February 2008. Increase in Membership Rates
3rd January 2008
We wish to inform our members that the Board of Countryside Alliance Ireland has approved a slight increase in our membership rates for 2008. Group Membership will increase for RoI members by 5 Euro to 45 Euro per person and by £2.50 per person in Northern Ireland. Given the level of representation, advice and of course insurance benefits that members enjoy, this remains exceptional value for money. This increase came into effect on the 1st January 2008. Book your Tickets Now!
3rd January 2008
Countryside Alliance Ireland is holding its Burns Night on Friday the 25th January 2008 at The Barn, Larchfield Estate, Lisburn, Co Down The evening will commence with a hot whisky reception at 7:00pm, followed by supper (catered for by Posh Nosh) and a small auction. McStocker Ceilidh Band will provide the formal entertainment with traditional Scottish dancing and a 'caller' to call the dances. Tables will be made up of 8 people and the cost is £55 per ticket. The Menu is a traditional Burns Night Supper complete with two bottles of wine per table and whisky for the toasts; all included in the cost. In true Scottish style, the haggis will be piped in to dinner and the traditional addresses will be made. All in all it promises to be a wonderful evening - or 'smashin' as they may say in Scotland!. We do hope you can come and join us, so book your table now by calling Ashley on 028-9263-9911 or 048-9263-9911. | Our mailing address is:
Countryside Alliance Ireland - Courtlough Shooting Grounds, Courtlough, Balbriggan, Co Dublin
The Courtyard, Larchfield Estate, Balliesmills Road, Lisburn,
Co Down, BT27 6XJ
Our telephone: Republic of Ireland - 01-6903610, Northern Ireland - 028-9263-9911
Copyright (C) 2008 Countryside Alliance Ireland All rights reserved.
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