The group expressed its interest in forming a north Galway executive of IFA to represent and lobby for the farmers of north Galway into the future. Some members feel an adjusted structure could better reflect their needs given the differences in farming practices from north to south.

Galway IFA has 77 branches. If the proposed group was to go ahead, it would see 22 to 25 of these becoming part of the north region. The scenario, if accepted, would be similar to that of Cork, with three regional groups, and Tipperary, which also has a north-south division.

The group made clear they fully endorse Joe Healy and do not want to affect his bid in the upcoming IFA presidential race.

Concerns

Galway IFA’s second representative Peter Gohery expressed concerns at the proposal: “The question has to be asked why members are looking for their own breakaway group?”

Gohery also disclosed to the Irish Farmers Journal that he will be going back to Galway executive and seeking a fresh mandate for his position. However, if the north Galway group was to go ahead there would then be two chairs in the county and he would lose his position.

The Irish Farmers Journal attempted to contact current Galway IFA chair Pat Murphy but he was unavailable for comment.

Full coverage: IFA shake-up

Is Galway too big for one IFA executive?

After a meeting of north Galway IFA branches in Tuam last Tuesday night, the group agreed to try to form a north Galway regional group, writes Shane Murphy.