The Farm Tractor & Machinery Trade Association (FTMTA) executive council at its July meeting elected Diarmuid Claridge as the new president of the association.

Diarmuid has served as an FTMTA council member since early 2016 and has held the role of vice-president of the association since January 2019.

Growing up on a dairy and beef farm in south Kilkenny, Diarmuid developed a passion for machinery at a young age. Having made the decision to pursue a career in the sector, he later trained as a mechanic with Murphy’s Motors Ltd based in Glenmore.

Over the years, Diarmuid has developed great skills and gained a wealth of experience working with some big names within the industry, including AGCO and Lemken.

In 2017, Diarmuid was appointed as managing director of Pöttinger Ireland, a subsidiary of Austrian manufacturer Pöttinger Landtechnik GmbH.

“The farm machinery industry is an exciting and challenging environment to work within and I would highly recommend it to any school leaver with a passion for machinery,” Diarmuid said.

The new president went on to say: “The farm machinery industry is facing a difficult and challenging time but it’s important that we focus on the horizon ahead, remain positive and, most importantly, adapt to change.

“I look forward to working closely with the team at the FTMTA and my colleagues on the executive council as we look to the future of a progressive and vibrant trade.”