Michael, 99, helped to grow Irish forestry

A MAN as strong and old as some of the trees he’s planted was honoured yesterday for his remarkable service to Irish forestry over 70 years.

Michael McNamara, the country’s oldest forester, who turns 100 in July, was presented with a specially struck medal by the Society of Irish Foresters, which he helped found.

Mr McNamara, who led the afforestation of Ireland and fought for the rights of forestry workers, began his career with the Irish Forest Service in 1935.