Farmers stage protest at IFA event

A WALK-OUT by IFA members at the Tipperary North Executive AGM has been described as “unjustified” and “over the top”.

The spontaneous protest occurred just before Fianna Fáil TD Jackie Cahill was due to deliver his address as the invited guest speaker.

One attendee asked to be “excused” from the meeting, saying he had “issues” with being addressed by a man, whom he alleged, had broken an IFA picket line. He was supported by up to five others who, in block, proceeded to leave the room. They included a former executive chairman in the region and a former IFA national council member.

Presiding chairman Tim Cullinan reassured Deputy Cahill that the farmers’ action was not representative of the association and requested that he proceed with his address at the Abbey Court Hotel, Nenagh.

Deputy Cahill, who is the former national president ICMSA, appeared unruffled by the incident and moved to clarify the allegation. “I ordered six loads of dried beet pulp from the sugar company for feeding. When the first load arrived at the farm, it was followed into my yard by a car carrying a number of IFA members who were objecting.

“I contacted the sugar company and cancelled the order. That is what happened,” said Deputy Cahill.

Sharp exchanges arose between the president of the executive, Philip Kinnane, and Mr Cullinan, over the selection of speakers.

Mr Cullinan defended the presence of Jackie Cahill and said the walk-out in protest was “totally unjustified, over the top and uncalled for”.