HIGH FOOD PRICES, THE CONSUMER AND FARM LEADER’S DIRTY LITTLE SECRET

Dear Editor,

The consumer is paying higher prices while the price to farmers is being cut, it is obvious that there is some extreme profiteering going on further up the food chain at the expense of the consumer and farmers.

The recent cut in our milk price of over 18% to us farmers underlines the dirty little secret that our farming representatives have no mechanism in place to protect their member’s incomes.

The difficulties in many of our farming sectors with the sheep, vegetable, pig and poultry sectors, many in severe trouble for some time, is concrete proof of their failures which they need to address.

The German farmers union BDM are demanding 45c/litre minimum price for milk for their farmers. This underlines what I have being saying for a number of years now, that such a system is necessary to protect farming and strengthen our leaders.

Our representatives have an appalling record when it comes to protecting their members incomes and the margin of profit on the food we produce, it’s now time they admit their dirty little secret and address their weakness before it is too late.

Yours sincerely,
Michael Flynn (a dairy farmer),
Rathgormack,
Co. Waterford.

ANY UNUSUAL HAPPENINGS IN YOUR AREA?

Dear Editor,

I am a graduate student researching a book on folklore, ghost stories and paranormal happenings in modern Ireland.

I would be very grateful to hear from readers with reports of ghosts, hauntings, poltergeists, UFOs, spooklights, witchcraft and other strange or unexplained phenomena. I am particularly interested in haunted sites.

Absolute confidentiality will be maintained and respected, if requested. All correspondence will be acknowledged, if so wished.

Write in confidence to Sean O Gualainn, 6 Bruach na Gaile, Maigh Mhean, Co Ciarrai, or e-mail carraigkerry@hotmail.com

Yours sincerely,,
Sean O Gualainn,
6 Bruach na Gaile,
Maigh Mheain,
Co Ciarrai.

JOHN MAHON WHEELCHAIR BOAT ADDS TO ‘COME TRY IT SPORTS DAY’

Dear Editor,

On Saturday, June 28th as part of a ‘Come try it sports day’ held in Loreto sports hall, Fermoy, our children with special needs were treated to a variety of sports with the help of the County Cork Sports Partnership under the guidance of Sinead Costello.

The day began with boccia, badminton and an excellent display of karate moves led by Dave O’Donovan. Our children were very much engaged with the karate and everyone took part. The badminton was also a big hit as was the boccia.

In the afternoon many of the families were treated to a rare scenic trip up the Blackwater on the John Mahon Wheelchair Boat.

The day was fine and the sun painted a beautiful picture on the river. The boatmen Christopher O’Donovan, Ger Mahon, Mike Schofield and Harry Kenny generously gave their time to all who travelled leisurely on the boat but unfortunately they were unable to arrange tea for us at Castlehyde House!

Now that we know the boat is for everyone, we will be keen to use it again, especially if we get that invitation to ‘The House’ for tea on the lawn.

Many thanks to everyone who added to our day of enjoyment.

Yours sincerely,
Mary Allen,
Parents and Friends of People with Special Needs,
Fermoy.