The president of the Irish Charolais Cattle Society Noel McGoldrick has denounced intimidatory tactics employed by unknown individuals ahead of last Sunday’s AGM.
The Irish Farmers Journal understands that a member of the society who was running for a council position received a threatening letter in the post.
Speaking to this newspaper McGoldrick said that he didn’t condone the behaviour “in any way, shape or form” and that there was no place for intimidation in the society.
The incident has sparked a watershed moment within the society, with other breeders reporting similar behaviour, including threatening letters and phone calls over the last number of years.
Several members also reported receiving memory sticks in the post with a letter reading: “Choose your friends wisely.”
The news comes in the wake of a tumultuous AGM where a vote of no confidence in the council was put forward by three members but not carried.
McGoldrick admitted that he himself had been in receipt of threats in the past.
“It needs to stop,” he said.
“It affects breeders, their families and loved ones.
“I don’t understand the mentality behind this because we’ll be in voluntary posts.
“Why people are intent on trying to demolish the progress we are making is beyond me.
“There is an underlying current in my opinion that is purely attempting to cause disruption to what I think is the most progressive beef breed in the country.”
The Irish Farmers Journal understands that An Garda Síochána is involved in the investigation of at least one threat made to a member.
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