ICMSA members elect new leader
THE ICMSA has announced that Denis Drennan has succeeded Pat McCormack as president of the association - Ireland’s oldest dedicated family farm organisation.
His election was confirmed at the AGM of the organisation’s National Council,
Mr Drennan, who farms at Dunbell in Co Kilkenny, paid tribute to his predecessor saying he would be satisfied if he could achieve “anything like” the respect and sincerity of commitment accorded to Mr McCormack.
Mr Drennan said that the association will continue its founding commitment to advocating on behalf of Ireland’s irreplaceable family farm system which, he says, has an importance and role for much of the state that goes far beyond its ‘backbone’ economic role.
“That’s who we are, that's why we are and that’s what we are. That will never change, and my job is to safeguard that founding principle. In recognition of the changing way that debate is being conducted and developed at the State level, we will accelerate in terms of our already significant expertise on the data and science behind the impact of environmental regulations on our farming sectors. But our focus – the interests and incomes of Ireland’s family farms – will not change or diminish,” said Mr Drennan.
Eamonn Carroll, from Templemore in Co Tipperary, will succeed Mr Drennan as Deputy President, as well as chairing the Farm & Rural Affairs Committee.
Michael O’Connell from Loughmore in Co Tipperary will chair the Livestock Committee in succession to Des Morrison and Pat O'Brien from Tullamore was elected Chairperson of the Farm Business Committee.