TV show farmer faces rustling charges
The court service has confirmed Liam Cunningham, Churchtown, Ardagh Road, Newcastle West, one of the two Limerick finalists in Feirm Factor, faces a charge of stealing four cattle at Killaline, Newcastle West, on August 19, 2007.
The case will be heard at Newcastle West District Court on March 19.
A spokesman for TG4 said: “We do not comment on anyone taking part in any of our programmes.”
The spokesman refused to say if the station had been alerted to the charge against Mr Cunningham.
According to TG4, “12 of the best” farmers had been chosen from hundreds of applicants.
They will perform tasks, from dosing cattle to herding pigs; computing to welding; fencing to building stone walls; weighing animals and naming breeds to selling animals at the mart; and building business plans to impromptu public speaking. TG4 said: “The series will give a unique insight into Irish farming today as the finalists complete a carefully selected series of tasks and missions which will introduce viewers to the extensive and back-breaking world of Irish farmers.”
The overall winner will get a new Land Rover Discovery.
The series was pre-recorded during the summer on each finalist’s farms.
Filming took place at major events such as the National Ploughing Championships and the Ballinasloe horse fair.
The panel of judges includes former Fine Gael leader Alan Dukes, TV presenter Maura Derrane and Cork dairy farmer Sean O Lionáird.
Mr Cunningham, who describes himself on the programme as “a hardworking, dedicated farmer”, was not available for comment.
