Kildare And West Wicklow Arm Of Irish Farmers’ Association Elect New County Chairman

Thomas O’Connor who has served as county chairman of Macra na Feirme in recent years, takes over the reins from outgoing chair Brian Rushe for an initial two-year term.

Thomas O’Connor who has served as county chairman of Macra na Feirme in recent years, takes over the reins from outgoing chair Brian Rushe for an initial two-year term.

He currently runs a mixed farming operation with his parents in Moone in County Kildare close to the Wicklow border.

Mr Rushe was recently elected national deputy president of the IFA.

Tim Cullinan, a farmer from Tipperary, won the race last month to replace Joe Healy as president.

IFA Livestock Chairman Wicklow's Angus Woods was eliminated, with 7,149 votes.

The IFA has around 70,000 members, but just under 23,000 voted across the nearly 1,000 branches.

At the IFA's 65th AGM in Dublin this afternoon new President Tim Cullinan outlined his plans to protect farmers.

He wants the closest possible trading relationship with the UK in the Brexit talks and a fund to cover losses arising from a no deal.