An FTMTA spokesperson has confirmed to the Irish Farmers Journal that, as things stand, the firm envisages that Grass & Muck will go ahead as planned at Gurteen College on May 14.

A statement issued by the association read: “The recent weeks and days have seen the development of an unprecedented situation. “We have been keeping the evolving scenario and its implications for FTMTA Grass & Muck under review in conjunction with our event management team and the host college. In that context, the social distancing measures announced by the Irish Government on 12 March were expected and welcomed.”

It added: “On the basis of the measures announced recently by Government, the position regarding FTMTA Grass & Muck is that the event is still scheduled to take place. Even if the current measures are extended from the end of March into mid-April, it should still be possible for the event to take place. Everything depends on matters entirely outside of our control and for now all that we can do is monitor ongoing developments.”

It concluded by noting that the situation remains fluid but that the organisation is continuing to prepare for the event and hopes to deliver it as planned and in accordance with the advice from the national authorities.