Those who gathered, including farmers from across the country, as well as political election candidates, marched to the gates of Slaney Foods in Clohamon, Co Wexford, where they were addressed by a range of speakers.

IFA national treasurer Jer Bergin chaired the proceedings, which heard from livestock chair Henry Burns and sheep chair John Lynskey.

If ABP completes the buyout of Bert Allen's 50% of Slaney Foods, the other half of which is owned by Linden Foods, ABP would have control of 30% of the beef kill, 40% of the sheep kill, and 50% of rendering in Ireland. The proposed deal is a matter for the Consumer and Competition Protection Commission.

Burns and Lynskey called on Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney to intervene.

IFA presidency

The two men competing for the IFA presidency with Burns, Flor McCarthy and Joe Healy, also addressed the protest, as did Wexford county chair Pat Murray and South Leinster chair James Murphy.

McCarthy highlighted that farmers are getting less than production costs for their cattle. Healy said that if Minister Coveney doesn't remember that he is meant to be on the farmer’s side, he can be reminded when the general election takes place later this month.

Among the politicians present were TDs Paul Kehoe, Pat Deering, Andrew Doyle, Senator Michael Darcy (all Fine Gael) and local candidates Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fáil) and Ger Carty.

The Government representatives have a clear message to bring back to Minister Coveney.

Tensions over ABP-Slaney merger are mounting

ABP to grow its empire with Slaney deal

Weight penalties and competition causing concern

Large attendance at IFA's Slaney Foods protest

A crowd of about 1,000 braved the elements in Co Wexford to register their opposition to the ABP purchase of half of Slaney Foods on Sunday afternoon.