Tom McMenamin and Paddy McLaughlin at Monday’s meeting.
By Dionne Meehan
THE Donegal Irish Farmers Association held their Annual General Meeting in the Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny on Monday evening.
Among those to address the event were newly elected IFA President Francie Gorman and Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD.
Newly elected officers on the night included Christine Friel as Farm Family Chairperson, Tommy Mullin as Sheep Chairman and Dessie Cunningham as Hill Farming Chairman.
This time last year, Joe Sweeney took up the role as Donegal IFA County Chair, and what a busy year it has been.
Addressing the meeting, Mr Sweeney described Donegal’s farmers as top class.
“Donegal can boast nearly every sector of farming,” he said.
“It has top class people working on the land and sea producing the best of grain, potatoes, dairy, beef lamb, pigs, poultry, forestry and fish.”
But of course, with the many benefits this brings, come the many issues that need addressing.
Working hard to provide representation to all farmers across the county, Mr Sweeney took time to thank County Officers, Commodity Officers, Branch Officers and staff.
Adrian Gallagher, Ethan Carvill, Frank McClean and Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD at the Donegal IFA AGM in the Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny on Monday.
Mr Sweeney also took the time to thank Vice Chairman, Frank McClean.
“I especially want to thank our Vice Chair Frank McClean for all he has done both for me and with me during the year.
“Frank has attended many meetings and events and has given generously of his time to put forward the Donegal farmer’s point of view whenever he is representing the IFA,” he said.
Expressing a special word of thanks to IFA Commodity Officers, Mr Sweeney spoke of how they play a vital role in carrying the views of Donegal farmers to a national level.
“I am also grateful to our Regional Chair, Frank Brady who has been a great support to me personally all through the year both in Dublin and at county level.
“He works very closely with all the counties in the region, attending county meetings, meetings with the Department officials, lobbying events, protests and more,” Mr Sweeney said.
Last but not least, Mr Sweeney thanked the staff working in the IFA’s Raphoe Office.
“I think it goes without saying that all Donegal members appreciate the work that goes on at the Raphoe office.
“A special thanks to all the support staff who provide an excellent service to our farmers all through the year,” he concluded.
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