"We're bound for Ballaghaderreen" were the words of one determined farmer in Co Mayo yesterday as pickets continued on several meat plants in defiance of the High Court ruling earlier this week.
Up to 20 farmers maintained the protest outside Dawn Meats in Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo, and travel arrangements were being made yesterday evening to send a contingent to the sister plant in the Co Roscommon town for today's Cabinet meeting.
Protests were also continuing at Duffy Meats in Gort, Co Galway, although the factory is not a member of the Irish Meat Association and had agreed not to pass on the veterinary levy increase to farmers. The support of Fine Gael's agriculture spokesman and Galway East TD, Mr Paul Connaughton, on radio and of opposition politicians at several picket lines was described as a great morale boost by protesters yesterday, many of whom did not wish to be identified.
Elected IFA representatives in the region were unable to comment on the situation, but there was much sympathy for the members who had decided to continue blockades.
