New chairperson elected at Tullamore Show AGM
John Keena, a suckler farmer from Ferbane, was the unanimous choice as new chairperson for the Tullamore Show at the AGM on January 15.
John has been a member of the show executive committee for several years, and held a number of roles, most recently vice-chairman and livestock intake at the event.
John is well known in the farming community, for his 80-cow herd and for his time as Ferbane Macra chairman and later IFA chairman for Ferbane and Offaly (his father was the first Offaly IFA chairman, in 1955).
John farms with his wife Breda, and they have one daughter, Laura, who is currently in Australia. John left school at 16 to help his parents running the farm. GAA is an important part of his household and he has a senior football county medal with Ferbane; he also has the Leinster club medal from 1986. John also hurled for Ferbane/Belmont, with whom he won numerous medals.
John is looking forward to the challenge of being chairperson of the show and has no illusions about the workload involved.
At the AGM, guest speaker Alice Doyle, deputy president of the IFA, addressed the members. She started by congratulating all sections at the show for their in-depth reports and excellent effort on the day. She reflected on her time as secretary of Tullow Show, and spoke about how important shows are around the country and how they provide a platform where urban and rural meet and come together.
Alice spoke about volunteerism and the number of volunteers who contribute to Tullamore Show. She concluded by saying Tullamore has an excellent atmosphere and is a show of great welcome.
It is forward thinking and moves with the times, she said, referencing the Young Handler Event hosted for the first time in 2024.
Alice finished by stating Tullamore Show has a wonderful future and she wished the incoming officers the best of luck for 2025.
On the night new and younger members of the executive were elected; Joe Molloy will become vice-chairman and Cathal Loughman, of Loughman Landscaping, was elected as assistant secretary. Rodney Cox, a former chairman, remains as treasurer, assisted by Tom Maher. Brenda Kiernan from Durrow will continue as PRO, assisted by Stephen Connolly.
The 30-plus experienced executive members will explore new possibilities, enhance the Young Handler event for this year, and extend the programme of the event
John Keena said: “I am delighted and honoured to be elected as chairman, and I am looking forward to seeing everyone on August 10 at the Butterfield Estate, Blueball, and I would like to give a special thank you to the site owners Anne Maire Butterfield and Stephen McQuade.”