Show appreciation of IFA officers: Walshe
He told farmers in Co Limerick, “it is very easy to criticise the way things are done in an organisation.”
Presiding over the Limerick IFA Annual General Meeting, he warned, “if we keep on criticising people who give their time to take on voluntary roles in the organisation, we will not get people to take on positions in the future”.
He said: “It is a thankless job being an officer in an organisation, but we have to appreciate that a lot of good work is being done on behalf of all farmers by those who take on voluntary officership. They are prepared to take time away from their own business and the least they are entitled to is appreciation for what they do.
“They are people like you and me who also have farms to run, but they are willing to give time to the work of the organisation. We should remember that”.
The IFA leader said the increase in part-time farming was also presenting a challenge, because fewer full-time farmers are available to take on IFA jobs. He emphasised that he was not complaining in a personal sense in relation to his own role in the IFA, but he was concerned for the hundreds of voluntary officers around the country who keep IFA going.
“I was elected to do this job, which I enjoy. I am honoured to be given the opportunity by farmers of leading this organisation”, he added.
Outgoing county chairman Michael Roche was re-elected for the third year. Also re-elected were Vice-Chairman Eddie Scanlan, Secretary Aidan Gleeson, Treasurer Mary Ita Keane and PRO Pat Browne. John O’Shea, Kildimo was elected to represent Limerick on the National Sheep Committee.
