South Tipperary IFA elects new chairman to lead it over next four years at AGM in Clonmel

South Tipperary IFA members elected Gortnahoe farmer Darragh Scott as their new chairman at the farmer representative organisation’s AGM in Clonmel last week as New Inn farmer Pat Carroll concludes his four-year term in the role.

An estimated 100 IFA members from throughout south Tipperary gathered in Hotel Minella on Tuesday night, December 2 for the Annual General Meeting with an address by All-Ireland winning Tipperary Senior Hurling team manager Liam Cahill a big attraction.

Honorary Life Membership

Another highlight was the presentation of an honorary life membership award to John Tobin of Kilcash IFA branch.

Mr Tobin is a founding member of Kilcash IFA branch, which was established in January 1958. He served as the branch’s chairman from 1958 to 1965 and later as its secretary.

He chaired South Tipperary IFA executive committee between 1977 and 1980 and was also greatly involved in other organisations in his own parish.

Liam Cahill presented the honorary life IFA membership to Mr Tobin, who was accompanied by his wife Ita and son Liam and his family at the AGM.

Tipperary Senior Hurling team Manager Liam Cahill presents the honorary IFA life membership award to John Tobin of Kilcash IFA branch who is pictured with his wife Ita (seated front far right), his son Liam (back row far left), grandchildren Caitríona, Juliet and Billy and daughter-in-law Noelle. Picture John D. Kelly

New chairman and officers

Darragh Scott, who represents Gortnahoe IFA branch, will formally begin his term as South Tipperary IFA chairman after the IFA National Executive’s AGM in January.

Other new committee officers elected were Michael Mockler as secretary and TJ Maher as Beef Committee chairman for South Tipperary IFA.

Pat Carroll will continue to be involved on the committee as chairman of South Tipperary IFA Business Committee.
Privilege to serve

He said it had been a privilege for him to represent the farmers of south Tipperary and thanked his fellow committee officers who worked alongside him over the past four years.

“I am delighted to have been able to carry out the role,” he told The Nationalist.

The stand out period for him during his term was leading the IFA’s Enough is Enough protest campaign locally in the spring of 2024 highlighting farmers’ frustration at increased regulation, reduced supports and falling incomes.

The most high profile protest of that campaign was staged outside Tipperary County Council’s Civic Offices in Clonmel followed by Mr Carroll and North Tipperary IFA Chairman Baden Powell jointly addressing the elected members about Tipperary farmers’ frustration at the increasing burden of bureaucracy and regulations and the socio-economic importance of agriculture to Tipperary.

Meanwhile, guest speaker Liam Cahill spoke at the AGM about his own background growing up on a farm and how that has influenced his role as Tipperary Senior Hurling team manager.

He highlighted the importance of encouraging young people to return to live in rural areas to ensure they remain vibrant communities with thriving GAA clubs and schools.

Mr Cahill was presented with a hamper of Tipperary food and drinks in appreciation for his attendance at the AGM and for leading the Tipperary hurlers to victory in this yea’'s All-Ireland Senior Hurling final.

Mr Carroll said Liam Cahill stayed around for the post-AGM refreshments to meet and chat with IFA members. “We are very thankful to him for giving of his time. We know how busy he is. IFA member were very appreciative of the presentation he gave at the AGM.”

Check out  more photos from South Tipperary IFA AGM in this week's edition of The Nationalist now on sale in local shops 

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