Louise makes history as second female to lead Limerick IFA

THERE IS a nice symetry in Sean Lavery handing the Limerick IFA chairperson reins to Louise Crowley as his wife Mairead Lavery was the first female to be elected to the role.

And now Ms Crowley is the second female to wear the crown and one of, if not the youngest to hold the position. The Croom dairy farmer defeated Anglesboro’s Eddie Moriarty at a well-attended Limerick IFA AGM in the Woodlands House Hotel.

Ms Crowley, who is the outgoing county secretary, thanked the Limerick IFA members that came out to vote on a Wednesday night during the very busy spring period. 

“An election is always a great sign of an organisation, and I want to acknowledge the contribution my fellow candidate Eddie Moriarty has made to the executive and will continue to as sheep chairperson,” said Ms Crowley.

The former Macra Queen of the Land and current National Dairy Council ambassador has a number of key priorities during her four year tenure. 

“Retaining our nitrates derogation, the ongoing forestry situation, TB increases in the county, and generational renewal,” said Ms Crowley, who thanked Mr Lavery for his work during the last four years. 

“His commitment to Limerick farmers was incredible, and I hope to carry on his standard of work throughout my term,” said Ms Crowley.

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One of Mr Lavery’s last tasks as chairperson was to thank the outgoing officers whose terms finished in 2024 - John Hannon, dairy; Denis Duggan, livestock; Barry Murphy, environment; Simon White, forestry and his successor, Ms Crowley, secretary. Mr Lavery said he hopes Ms Crowley will benefit from "high commodity prices, good weather and politicians who keep their promises" in her new role. 

“I have learned a lot over the four years and am willing to offer Louise the benefit of those learnings as she settles into the job.

"While the obvious public campaigns get all the notice, it is the individual issues that IFA supports farmers with that often matters most,” said Mr Lavery. 

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