Episode 18
Country Life with MJ Clery
Friday, 5 May 2023 - 46 minutes
On the programme this week MJ chats to former presenter of Countrywide on RTÉ Radio 1 Damian O Reilly. Damian departed his role after 25 years with RTÉ and recently took up a position with ICOS in Brussels. ICOS is the body which represents co - ops and Damian and MJ chat about the 50th anniversary of the opening of their Brussels office. Sam Moody former Head Chef in Ballyfin Demense Co. Laois is on the cusp of opening a new restaurant in Abbeyleix. Bramleys is a restaurant which aims to use as much local and seasonal produce as possible. Sam speaks about the quality produce all around the Midlands and how he feels Irish lamb is the best in the world. Niall McCormack the IFA Fruit and Veg Chairman is a soft fruit grower producing 60 tonnes of strawberries annually. Niall speaks about the urgent need for the office of the Food Regulator to be established to ensure transparency in the horticulture sector. This is something that Minister McConalogue promised would occur during his tenure and both farmers and consumers will benefit hugely from it's existence. Rev for Trev is a Tractor Run taking place in Mountrath on Sunday 14 May to highlight mental health awareness. Arthur Hanley joins MJ to chat about Trevor Wallace to whom the day is dedicated. Trevor, a machinery enthusiast from Mountrath was lost to suicide two years ago.
