It looks like the estate agents will almost certainly have to stay at home at the end of March because of the foot and mouth crisis. The IAVI has scheduled its annual conference for Tralee but with most national events now being cancelled, the auctioneers look like putting off the bash until September. However, a final decision on whether to go ahead or not will be taken in the next couple of days. A postponement will be a big disappointment for president Eddie Barrett, who apparently has elaborate plans to entertain his colleagues. The last conference held in Tralee almost a decade ago is still talked about as being the best one ever. The foot and mouth situation may also force the chartered surveyors, due to due to meet in Kilkenny the same weekend, to delay the party for a few months.

The Irish homebuilders, meanwhile, are on track to return to Killarney for their annual do in May. It's still early days for them, but if the Government manage to keep the dreaded disease out, they should have a clear run.