While tensions were understandably high, both counties also seem keen for the organisation to recover and move on.

“Our meeting last night was constructive and positive,” said Leitrim county chair James Gallagher. “We want the IFA to get back to work as quickly as possible. There are lots of great people in the IFA and it’s important to get it going again in the way it should be.”

National treasurer Jer Bergin attended the Limerick meeting and answered members’ questions.

“We brought Jer Bergin down and members got the chance to ask the important questions – how and why,” said Limerick IFA chair Aidan Gleeson. “There was a round of applause when he left.

“After that we had a deliberation and resolutions from branches were put forward. It was very clear what the views were from across the county which is why our motion is going forward.”

We don’t want them to rush into anything, be it resignations or appointment of a new general secretary. It is important to make sure the organisation is robust and safe first

While Limerick is calling for the executive board to resign Gleeson was eager to point out that the county executive wants the “current board to stay there in a caretaker capacity until an election is held. We don’t want them to rush into anything, be it resignations or appointment of a new general secretary. It is important to make sure the organisation is robust and safe first.”

Second proposal

Interestingly, Limerick are also putting forward a proposal to revert to the old system of voting so that every member has a vote for regional chairs.

“The current system means that only branch officers have a vote in electing the regional chairs,” said Gleeson. “If we revert back to the old system, every member will have a vote in the same way that they vote for president and deputy President.”

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