The cancellation of the International Walking Festival in Castlebar, Co Mayo, will cost the area more than £500,000 in tourism revenue. It was to take place from June 28th to July 1st with more than 1,500 walkers coming from abroad.
Ms Elaine Devereux, the festival director, said the decision to cancel for the first time in 34 years was taken with regret. They had "enjoyed the wholehearted support and co-operation of the farming community", she said. "The very least we can do now is show our solidarity with them in their time of crisis."