Sean Clarke is the new chair of IFAC.

The Mayo farmer, a long-standing member of the committee, was elected to replace Seamus O’Brien at a board meeting on Tuesday.

Clarke edged out Teddy Cashman, although it took two counts before the 17-strong board could separate the two candidates. Cashman’s father Donie was the founding chair of IFAC back in 1975.

Clarke will now serve as chair of the co-operative that specialises in accounting and taxation advice for farmers for the next two years.

He has previously been the Connacht vice-president of IFA. Cashman, previously IFA liquid milk chairman, is the new IFAC vice-chair.