Sligo IFA to mark 50th anniversary of Farmers’ Rights Campaign

SLIGO IFA are to hold a Dinner Function in The Ocean Sands Hotel, Enniscrone, at 2pm, on Sunday, 4th December, 2016 to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Farmers’ Rights Campaign.

Mr. JP Cowley, Sligo IFA Co. Chairman said it is only right we mark the contribution of these voluntary officers from around the county to the Farmers’ Rights Campaign and the successful outcome to the battle to secure negotiating rights with the Government. Mr. Cowley said IFA President, Joe Healy, will make the presentations on the day.

Mr. Cowley said all surviving veterans and family member of the deceased will be invited. It will be a great night for all their families, friends and the local area. In recognition of the people who answered the call half a century ago, we owe a huge debt of gratitude and we are asking our members to come on the night to show their support.

Mr. Cowley said the Campaign of 1966 was the single most important event in the history of NFA/ IFA and was defined by the determination, commitment and perseverance of a group of people for the betterment of farm families.

The march to Dublin culminated in the silent parade of 30,000 farmers through the streets to Government Buildings. When the Minister for Agriculture Charles Haughey refused to meet a deputation, a group of nine members of NFA sat outside for 21 days until the Minister agreed to meet them. The nine were: Rickard Deasy, TJ Maher, Michael Gibbons, Joe Dunphy, Bob Stack, Jim Bergin, Sean Holland, Tom Cahill and Hugh Leddy.

Mr. Cowley said he is honoured to lead the commemoration to those who had made immense sacrifices for farm families 50 years ago. “The Farmers’ Rights Campaign of 1966 was the most significant event in the history of NFA/ IFA. It galvanised farmers and showed them the true value of working together in unity to achieve better income conditions. The ideals of our founding fathers during that Campaign hold true today”.

Tickets are now available from County and Branch Officers.

Donegal Students / Letterkenny Class, Teagasc Green Cert Graduate Presentations - Front Row ( from left); Barry Naughton, AIB; Art McGrath; Ben Wilkinson; Martin Alexander; Marian Harkin, MEP; Ciaran Kerins and Neville Myles. Second Row: Paul Harvey;...