Louise Crowley has been elected as the new chair of Limerick Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) at the annual general meeting (AGM) held in Adare tonight (Wednesday, February 12).

Two candidates contested the election to replace Sean Lavery who had completed his four-year term as Limerick IFA chair.

Louise Crowley, a dairy farmer from Croom and Eddie Moriarty, who has a mixed farm in Anglesboro were both given an opportunity to address the crowd and answer questions before the voting took place.

Following the count, it was was announced that Louise Crowley has become the second ever female chair of the IFA in Co. Limerick, following Mairead Lavery in the early 1990s.

Speaking to Agriland following her election, Louise Crowley said that she was surprised at the result as it is hard to know how elections will turn out.

The young dairy farmer who is very active on social media said that such platforms can play an important role in advocating for farmers.

Crowley, who was Limerick IFA county secretary for the past four years, said that she is "well aware" of the issues facing farmers on the ground.

"I'm a derogation farmer myself so it is a top priority. Forestry is a massive issue for the Limerick farmers here, so it's going to have to be something that is rectified immediately," she said.

The new Limerick IFA chair also highlighted the issues of bovine tuberculosis (TB), environmental targets and generational renewal as priorities for her term.

Outgoing Limerick IFA chair Sean Lavery told the meeting that he hoped his successor "will benefit from high commodity prices, good weather and politicians that deliver on their promises".

He thanked his wife, Mairead for her support during his term, along with his fellow IFA members both in Limerick and in Farm Centre in Dublin when dealing with difficult issues facing farmers.

Philip Ruttle, Limerick IFA vice chair made a presentation to Sean on behalf of members to acknowledge his efforts in representing farmers in the county since 2021.

"I don't think words can express how grateful we are for the job you've done over the past four years," Ruttle said.

An honorary IFA lifetime membership was also presented on the night to Tom Cooke of the Hospital branch.