Donegal farmer elected chairman of IFA sheep committee
Kevin Comiskey (left) has announced that he is stepping down as IFA sheep chairman. He will be replaced by Adrian Gallagher (right).
Donegal sheep farmer Adrian Gallagher has been elected chairman of the Irish Farmers' Association sheep committee.
He has been serving as the vice-chairman of the sheep committee.
At a meeting in the Irish Farm Centre today (Thursday), the chairman of the committee Kevin Comiskey announced that he was stepping down.
He confirmed that he has decided to pursue a nomination to run in the local elections next year.
Adrian Gallagher, who farms in Falcarragh in Co Donegal, said he looked forward to working on behalf of sheep farmers and raising the issues that matter to them.
"Farm income remains the most important issue for sheep farmers, whether that comes from the price in the market or Government support," he said.
He said sheep farming in Ireland has a unique profile in that it covers upland and lowland farming and he would be focusing on issues of concern to all sheep farmers.
"I will be carrying on the work done by my predecessor Kevin Comiskey and I want to thank him for the commitment he has shown during his time as sheep chairman," he added.
Mr Comiskey thanked the committee for giving him the opportunity to represent sheep farmers.
"It has been my privilege to chair the sheep committee and I was delighted to make progress on some issues, including the extra funding announced in last month’s budget that brings the total support for sheep farmers to €20/ewe," he said.
