40 years of IFA Farm Centre

THE 40th anniversary of the Farm Centre in Enniscorthy was celebrated in style at the centre. on Mill Park Road

Those attending enjoyed a barbecue as well as other refreshments. Chairman of Wexford IFA, James Kehoe, who is a member of the organising committee, said it had been a great evening with everyone really enjoying themselves.

President of the IFA Joe Healy was guest of honour on the night and addressed the large crowd, saying how it was an honour to take part in the celebrations.

A presentation was made on the night to Bree man Willie French who is the chairman of the Farm Centre. Willie was honoured for his long service to the farm centre and the IFA having come onboard as county secretary in February 1979. Since then he has held a variety of positions over the years.

The tillage farmer from Loughgerald, Bree, was joined on the night by his wife Sarah.

Mr Kehoe said the committee had wanted to mark the 40th anniversary with a social function to highlight both the services the farm centre offers and also to mark the milestone.

‘I suppose one of the great things about the farm centre is that it is owned by the farmers. It’s a great facility and lots of different things happen here so we wanted to make people aware of them. Really we wanted to firmly establish the farm centre on the map.’

At the 40th anniversary celebrations: Edel Gahan, vice-chairperson, Wexford IFA; James Browne TD; Minister Paul Kehoe; Willie French, chairman, IFA Centre; and James Kehoe, chairman, Wexford IFA. Ann Fitzgerald, Aileen Lyons and Geraldine Kavanagh. Willie French (centre) is awarded honorary life membership by Joe Healy, National President, IFA (left) and James Kehoe, Wexford IFA Chairman.

Nicky Cosgrave, Louise Doyle, Helen Cosgrave and Pauline Murphy.

Frank Devoy, Breda Devoy and Michael Doyle.

Michael Crosbie, Jean Hendrick and James Hendrick.

Ger Lyons, Chris Hill and Katrina Hill.