The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Kerry IFA chairman Sean Brosnan hopes new DG will ‘rebuild trust’
KERRY IFA Chairperson Seán Brosnan has welcomed the appointment of former Horse Sport Ireland CEO Damian McDonald as the association’s new Director General, in a move he believes will help rebuild trust in the IFA again.
Mr McDonald, who is the current CEO of Horse Sport Ireland, will assume the role in 2017, with a start date to be arranged after discussions with his employer.
His appointment comes one year after Pat Smith resigned from his position as IFA General Secretary amid fierce controversy over his pay, and Brosnan said ‘it was time to fill the position.’
“We’re happy, he’s a good appointment, and I think he will help build up trust in the organisation again,” Brosnan said.
“He’s been with the IFA before and spent years as CEO of Macra na Feirme. He’s been involved with various other organisations too, so he’s not short of experience.”
Mr McDonald, who grew up on a dairy, beef and pig farm in Wexford, will receive a salary of €185,350.
His remuneration will also include health insurance cover, pension employer contribution of 15 per cent, and the use of a company car. Payment from outside bodies is also included as part of his remuneration.
This package is considerably less than what Pat Smith received as general secretary; Smith’s remuneration package was worth €535,000 in 2013.
Speaking after his appointment on Wednesday (November 16), Mr McDonald said he is ‘very conscious of the responsibilities the position of Director General of the IFA brings with it.’
“I am looking forward to working with the President, the Officers, the Executive Council, National Committees and IFA’s staff team to progress the organisation and the issues affecting the farming community,” he added.
IFA President Joe Healy said he was delighted at the appointment, and pledged to work closely with Mr McDonald ‘on behalf of all farmers.’
Mr McDonald brings with him considerable experience. He worked for the IFA between 1999 and 2001 as Livestock Services Manager, before spending six years as CEO of Macra na Feirme.
While in those positions, he represented farmers on a number of bodies, including the Milk Quota Review Group and the National Economic and Social Council.
The 44-year-old also served as a member of DIT’s Governing Body and the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board, and is currently a member of Sport Ireland’s anti-doping disciplinary panel.
He will continue as Chief Executive of Horse Sport Ireland until he serves out his notice period.