In 2001, the UK and Ireland were struck with a horrible outbreak of Foot-and-mouth disease. The livelihood of the nation’s essential agricultural industry was at risk of dying and people and governments began to panic. Transference of meat and mud into Ireland and between farmland was strictly regulated. Concern grew to such an extent that even golf-players were taken to a specially set-up Department of Agriculture ‘cleansing room’ to have their golf shoes and clubs disinfected.  As the rest of the world was preparing to celebrate all things Irish on Saint Patrick’s Day, the Emerald Isle itself, had gone into a state of national emergency overdrive.… Continue reading