Irish rugby and racing groups to meet farm officials

The Irish Rugby Football Union and the Irish Horseracing Authority are due to meet officials at the Department of Agriculture…

The Irish Rugby Football Union and the Irish Horseracing Authority are due to meet officials at the Department of Agriculture today to discuss the forthcoming Six Nations rugby match and the Cheltenham Festival.

The meeting comes after the Irish Cattle Traders' and Stockowners' Association said this weekend's Six Nations rugby match between Ireland and Wales in Cardiff should be put off.

ICSA president Mr Charlie Reilly today said: "The foot-and-mouth case in Angelsey is very close to Holyhead and this route will be used extensively by people travelling to the match."

"At this point a foot-and-mouth case in Ireland would be absolutely disastrous. Traffic to the match must be temporarily postponed until the UK Department of Agriculture has got this outbreak under control."

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The disease affects only livestock but can be carried by humans.

An estimated 20,000 Irish rugby fans are expected to travel to Cardiff for the game.

A spokesman for the Department of Agriculture said a statement would be issued this afternoon after the meeting with the IRFU and IHA.

He said the final decision on the Cheltenham Festival can only be taken by the UK authorities but the Department would outline its position on the events.