The Irish Aberdeen Angus Cattle Society has announced the appointment of Dr Felicity McGrath as general manager to oversee its operations and newly-licenced herd book in the Republic of Ireland.

McGrath currently farms in partnership with her mother just outside Balinalsoe, Co Galway.

Together they established the Gortnalon herd in 2008 and regularly appear on the show and sale circuit with their animals. Having completed a physics degree at the Imperial College in London, McGrath took up employment in the UK. She returned to Ireland in 2008 to manage Athenry-based Bo Steel, which manufactures agricultural livestock equipment.

Exciting time

She said: ” I’m really looking forward to my new role and working with breeders in the Republic of Ireland. From a young age I have had a massive enterprise in cattle and cattle breeding. Its exciting time for the Aberdeen Angus breed and I’m delighted to be part of that”

Commenting on the appointment, Irish Aberdeen Angus Cattle Society president, John McEnroe, said: “We are confident that Felicity will bring a new dimension to the Aberdeen Angus Association and her enthusiasm, experience and willingness to get stuck in will be an asset to the members of the association in the months and years to come. The appointment demonstrates the commitment that the association has to be a successful stand-alone breed society and business after being under the wing of the UK-based Aberdeen Angus Cattle Society for some 125 years.”