Editorial: Farm theft survey gives cause for concern - Kilkenny Live

More than half of Irish farmers surveyed recently had been victims of theft, according to researchers at Technological University Dublin, who have published a new report on farm-based crime.

With over 1,300 farmers surveyed, it’s an alarming statistic. It’s also concerning that almost one in three did not report the theft to gardaí. Among the most common reasons cited for this was a feeling that the incident was not serious enough, or that the gardaí would do nothing about it.

Gardaí have been at pains to urge people to report these incidents, even if they appear insignificant or not worth it. Thieves can and do return to the same premises, or neighbouring farms and businesses could be targeted in a spate of thefts. Perhaps the culprits are also responsible for more serious crimes. Reporting all such incidents is helpful to gardaí.

A suggestion, from 60% of those surveyed, that gardaí should have a dedicated unit to deal with farm thefts and rural crime also has merit. Perhaps is something that could be considered.

What a win
Congratulations to our hurling heroes who fought to the bitter end to wrestle a later-than-last-minute win from Galway in the Leinster final on Sunday.

The Bob O’Keeffe Cup is staying Noreside for another year.

Four Leinster championships in a row is fair going, and the celebrations at the end showed just how much this one meant to this hardy crop of players and the management team.

The manner of the victory also is also telling. While allowing Galway back into it after being eight points up is a cause of concern, grasping victory from the jaws of defeat in extra time reveals a steeliness and grit to this team.

The great Kilkenny teams over the years have been renowned for their resilience and never-say-die attitude. It certainly bodes well that under Derek Lyng, the famous Cats spirit appears to be there in spades.