Ash dieback threatens hurley making

A plant disease that could decimate stocks of ash tress used in traditional hurley making has hit 26 plantations, agriculture officials have revealed.

Ash dieback has been confirmed in forestry in 11 counties including Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Galway, Kildare, Kilkenny, Leitrim, Longford, Meath, Tipperary and Waterford.