Veteran IFA leader to retire

THE general secretary of the Irish Farmers’ Association, Michael Berkery, yesterday announced his intention to retire from the position he has held for 25 years.

Widely regarded as a superb strategist, he was at the administrative helm in the IFA during some of the most momentous changes in the modern history of Irish and European agriculture.

A native of Toomevara, Co Tipperary, he served as general secretary with eight IFA presidents, and had dealings with six taoisigh and seven different ministers for agriculture.