Farmer taking ‘a stand for the land’

THE jailing of a Co Sligo farmer who did not pay a fine for using threatening and abusive behaviour towards two hill walkers on his land has re-opened an emotive rural issue — the rights of private property owners versus public access to the countryside for recreation.

Farmers protested outside Loughan House open prison in Co Cavan over the weekend in support of Andy McSharry (40), Gleniff, who was fined €300 with €100 costs at Grange District Court last month.

The part-time sheep farmer, who has 225 acres near Ben Bulben, denied he had intimidated the walkers, didn’t appeal the court decision or pay the penalty imposed on him.