Contest for IFA deputy president nomination in Limerick

There are two candidates from Limerick for the position of IFA deputy president − Richard Kennedy and Donal O'Brien.

Kennedy is a dairy and beef farmer from Clarina in north Limerick. He was beaten to the post in the presidential election by John Bryan in 2009, but decided that now is the time to return to the national stage. Among other things, Kennedy currently sits on the board of Pallaskenry Agricultural College, he is the former national dairy chair and was Macra president from 1983 to 1985.

O'Brien is a suckler farmer and building contractor from Pallaskenry, just a stone's throw from his opponent. Previously, O'Brien has held the position of livestock chair in Limerick and was involved in calling the protest that did not proceed at the last meeting of IFA executive council.

The members of Limerick IFA will have to decide who to give the nomination to at their county executive next Wednesday.

So far there is only one confirmed candidate in the race for deputy president. Nigel Renaghan received a nomination from Monaghan earlier this week.

Munster

There has been no confirmed candidate announced yet for the position of Munster regional chair. However, John Coughlan from North Cork confirmed to the Irish Farmers Journal that he has decided not to put his name into the hat for deputy president. But Coughlan has not ruled himself out for the regional position.

South Leinster

South Leinster chair James Murphy from Kilkenny is "currently focusing on securing nominations for the regional position" once again. He told the Irish Farmers Journal that deputy president is a big commitment and he is not considering this position at the moment.

Read more

Full coverage: IFA shake-up