Less than a decade after the National Farmer’s Association (not Irish Farmers Association) was established, members sought the right to negotiate on behalf of farmers rather than merely be consulted. In 1966, they launched the NFA farmers’ rights campaign.

On 7 October 1966, members set out from as far away as Bantry, Co Cork, to march on Dublin to demand to be heard, culminating in a sit-in for 21 days on the steps of Government Buildings.

Pictured is the NFA West Cork Flying Column marching over Patrick’s Bridge in Cork City in October 1966, having left Bantry on 7 October at the start of the farmers’ rights campaign.

Several members of the NFA were arrested for the blockade. The campaign came to a victorious end when the farmers earned the right to negotiate on key legislation and marketing and advisory boards with farmer representation were established.

The IFA will hold a commemoration in Bantry on Thursday 27 October to honour the 16 men who set out on 7 October on the 217-mile journey to Dublin.

Click here to read an interview with a veteran of the legendary march.

50th anniversary of the legendary 217-mile farmer rights march

On 7 October 1966, members of the National Farmer's Association, set out on a march to Dublin as part of the farmers' rights campaign, which saw members jailed for several months.