The suckler farmer was the unanimous choice at the recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock Show.

Keena has been a member of the show executive committee for several years now, and has been involved in several roles of responsibility, most recently vice-chairperson and livestock intake at the event.

Keena was previously the chair of Ferbane Macra and later became chair of the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) for Ferbane and Offaly. His father was the first Offaly IFA chair in 1955.

Keena farms an 80-cow suckler herd with his wife Breda. They have one daughter, Laura, who is currently in Australia.

He left school at 16 to help his parents with the running of the farm.

Outside of farming, GAA plays an important part in Keena's household. He holds a senior football county medal with Ferbane, and also secured the Leinster club medal in 1986.

He also hurled for Ferbane/Belmont GAA, again winning numerous medals.

Keena said that he is looking forward to the challenge of being chairperson of the show and has "no illusions about the workload involved".

“I am delighted and honoured to be elected as chairman, and he is looking forward to seeing everyone on August 10, 2025 at the Butterfield Estate Blueball," he said.

The new Tullamore Show chair gave special thanks to the site owners Anne Maire Butterfield and Stephen McQuade.

The guest speaker at the AGM was Alice Doyle, IFA deputy president, who congratulated all the sections within the Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock Show.

Doyle reflected on her time as secretary of Tullow Show and spoke about how important agricultural shows are all around the country.

She noted how shows showcase the spirit of volunteerism and bring urban and rural people together.

Doyle said that the Tullamore Show is "very forward thinking", referencing the young handler event hosted for the first time in 2024.

Also on the night, members of the executive were elected: Joe Molloy will become vice-chair; and Cathal Loughman, of Loughman Landscaping was elected as assistant secretary.

Rodney Cox, former chair, remains in his role as treasurer and will be assisted by Tom Maher.

Brenda Kiernan from Durrow will continue in the role of show PRO, assisted by Stephen Connolly.

The 30 executive members will explore new possibilities for this year's show, including enhancing the young handler event and examining extending the show programme.