Donal Hickey: Bond between farmer and beast a nearly vanished way of life 

A recently broadcast documentary illustrated how nature-friendly farming has long been part of Burren life

Patrick McCormack who features in 'The Silver Branch' a documentary film on life in the Burren.

The abiding image is of an old farmer gently patting his dying cow and talking softly to her, thanking her for serving him well. It showed how much affection such people have for their animals and their own place.

The smaller and poorer the farm, the greater the bond between man and beast. There was a time when each cow and field had a name. Animals were treated like individuals with their own personalities. Anyone who grew up in a community of small farmers would understand.