Economic downturn sees cheaper cuts of meat make a reappearance

CHEAPER cuts of meat are back on the menu because of the credit crunch, industry observers have noticed.

Kilkenny butcher Gerry O’Brien will explain on the RTÉ programme Ear to the Ground tonight the cuts people can buy on a tighter budget.

Presenter Helen Carroll will set thrifty Kilkenny cook Catherine Nolan the challenge to cook a nutritious and locally sourced family meal for €15.

Ella McSweeney meets some turkeys whose journey from the farm field to the Christmas dinner plates is as painless and stress-free as possible.

Ben and Charlotte Colchester, of Urlingford, Co Kilkenny, run the most established organic turkey farm in the country, producing 1,500 every year for the Christmas market.

The impact of how shopping locally this Christmas can benefit a small rural village will be outlined by Darragh McCullough.

He takes up the challenge in Drumshambo, Co Leitrim, alongside local singing star Charlie McGettigan to find out how people can support their local community this Christmas.

The IFA, the Vintners Federation, the GAA, churches, An Post, FBD Insurance, shops and Bord Bia have all come together to promote a strong “Go Local” message to the public. Co-ordinated by IFA Countryside, the IFA’s rural affairs wing, the campaign is highlighting the importance of supporting local services, Irish produce and social interaction.