Calling all future stars ⭐️
Connacht Rugby Summer Camps are now open for bookings. Don't miss out on the best week of the summer 🏉 https://t.co/bcHYmbSBNC
#OneConnacht | @hellofresh_ie
BIG NEWS this morning on the EU’s decision to ban meat imports from Brazil over the use of illegal antibiotics in their beef and for failures in complying with EU food safety standards on antimicrobials:
Last night I discussed the present unacceptable situation in a 30 minute frank exchange of views with Olivér Várhelyi the EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety and 3 new issues have now been identified as areas of huge concern :
* The distribution of processed meats from Brazil coming into Ireland and the rest of Europe via the UK where the EU has no supervisory role - described to me by the Commissioner as a “big problem”
* The ongoing concerns in the Belgian port of Antwerp where consignments of Brazillian meat with banned antibiotics and growth promoters were being covertly brought into Europe in seperate consignments - leading now for the need to increase the inspection regime there - I asked the Commissioner directly to move to shut down the imports
* The need for the Food Safety Authority of Ireland to take steps to address the auditing of Brazillian beef going into school lunches and pre-prepared meals in the Republic of Ireland
The Commissioner is very much on top of his brief and I am going to now raise some of the matters he had brought to my attention with the Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD and and members of the Dail and Seanad when I speak in Leinster House next Wednesday May 27th at 2pm
I will meet with the Chief Executive of the FSAI Mr Greg Dempsey before that event in Leinster house on Wednesday to seek answers on the issues the EU Commissioner has raised as I believe they are now urgent matters of public health concern.
This morning I will firstly update my colleague Michael Fitzmaurice TD on the full contents of yesterdays briefing from the Commissioner to myself and the Head of my Brussels office Mr John Harkin which also contains deeply concerning developments in the importation process and we will then announce details of a connected initiative that will now be necessary with the FSAI.
More details here later in the day
Today the @Europarl_EN handed out order of merit medals to some of the key figures in European history over the last 60 years - this was my favourite - what a man - what a contribution - and what a story he told today about the Russians being on the end of a nuclear war back then 1/3
IFA President Francie Gorman addressing the flash action today in Strasbourg, organised by COPA, highlighting the skyrocketing fertiliser prices in Europe and demanding urgent action by the EU Commission on the growing fertiliser crisis. @COPACOGECA@FNSEA@gormanifa
I was in Cuba about 20 years ago when I saw a man wearing a t-shirt that stopped me in my tracks:
“Live like you’re going to die tomorrow and farm like you’re going to live forever.”
That idea stayed with me ever since — and it perfectly captures the spirit of Michael Mulloy’s journey in aquaculture.
From humble beginnings in 1983 to building Black Shell Farm into a thriving mussel farming business, Michael’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and deep respect for the sea.
🌊 Hard work 🌱 Sustainability ⚓ Life at sea
Watch full story here https://t.co/uGTZlROncv
#Aquaculture #FarmingLife #Sustainability #IrishFarming #IFA #BlackShellFarm #CoastalFarming
We can confirm the players who will depart the club at the end of the season.
Ár míle buíochas do na himreoirí a bheidh ag imeacht 🫶
Thank you to all of these men for their work in green 💚 https://t.co/Q7uoLQboXf
#OneConnacht
Our GAA clubs in many parts of the west and midlands are struggling to field teams at some grades because of depopulation in their areas. I invited a top level GAA committee to Brussels to meet all MEPs on this issue and they told us their own demographics report shows 26.3% of clubs serve shrinking populations in rural areas, leading to forced amalgamations to survive. In some counties - regrettably - clubs are gone out of existence . I know two grounds with no local club activity anymore so when the European Parliament discussed CAP and the new rural development plan for member states I asked where was the European Commission plan to deal with depopulation? It’s my view that the EU Leader programme companies have a crucial role in keeping these clubs and their parishes alive.
IFA President @gormanifa with two of his predecessors, Donie Cashman (1980-1984) and John Donnelly (1994-1998) at today's @fbd_ie AGM in the Irish Farm Centre.
An absolute legend of Connacht rugby
2nd highest capped player
Underrated on the pitch
An absolute gent and club man of it
If there's anyone that deserves to end his time at Connacht winning silverware playing in a URC final it's this man
https://t.co/rtU4TZr5Ol
We are delighted to announce the signing of loosehead prop Jerry Cahir from Leinster Rugby ahead of the 2026/27 season 🟢🦅
Read more 🔗 https://t.co/mbsWqgFFsm
#OneConnacht
A true legend of the West 🫡
After 17 years and 275 games, Denis Buckley will depart Connacht Rugby at the end of the season.
Thank you Denis for a simply incredible contribution 💚
Full story: https://t.co/d8DYcyJUBo
The 2026 IFA/FBD Ready to Lead Programme kicked off this week, as 26 participants from around the country came to the Irish Farm Centre.
Day 1 consisted of getting to grips with the IFA, the structures of the organisation and how it operates at a national and branch level, led by President Francie Gorman. They also met a number of key industry leaders including Bord Bia CEO Jim O’Toole, ICBF CEO Sean Coughlan, Teagasc Director Frank O’Mara and the Irish Farmers Journal Editor Adam Woods.
On day 2, the group attended the UCD Lyons Farm in Kildare, where they were welcomed by Prof Karina Pierce and the team at the Lyons. They were given a great insight into the wide-ranging work carried out at the research and educational farm. The participants also were also joined by the former IFA Deputy President Brian Rushe, who discussed with the group his experience within IFA and the importance of getting involved. Tadhg Buckley, IFA’s Director of Policy/Chief Economist, then gave the group a thorough overview of the work IFA does in defending Irish farmers and shaping agri policy.
Stay tuned over the summer as we get to know the participants on the programme.
#ReadyToLead @fbd_ie@SkillnetIreland
The truth about Leo and the @GovIE attitude to rural Ireland and the farming sector - the mask has slipped and no apology can change that . The people of Galway West have the ability to give them an appropriate response by electing [email protected] on May 22. Here’s why Leo is so wrong
A massive thank you to all the travelling support over the last two weeks here in South Africa with us 💚
Incredible support in Cape Town and Johannesburg 🇿🇦
Safe travels home and we will see ye in Dexcom Stadium 🟢🦅
#OneConnacht