The AGM of the Association of Farm & Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI) was recently held online. John Hughes from Danville, Kilkenny was elected as the Association’s new National Chair.

John has been a member of the FCI National Council for a number of years and was nominated by the South East Region. John, a second generation contractor in partnership with his brother Brendan, has operated a mainly tillage-based contractor business for over 25 years.

As FCI National Chair, his aim is to build the membership of FCI as without an active membership we will have no association, said John. He added, “As contractors we need to get recognition as the people who drive the tractors early in the morning and late at night, keeping the wheels of Irish agriculture moving forward. As contractors, we need that important role to be duly recognised by Government bodies and farm organisations. That’s just part of what FCI does on an ongoing basis on behalf of all farm and forestry contractors in Ireland.”

The AGM also elected two Vice-Chair roles to spread the growing workload of the Association. Galway-based contractor Martin Fleming was elected as a vice-chair. Martin is currently chair of the FCI Galway/Clare region. Ann Hanrahan from Birr, Offaly was also elected to a vice-chair position. Ann and Gerard Hanrahan have run G&A Hanrahan Ltd for over 20 years.

Martin Hanley, who operates a contracting business from Tara, Meath was elected as the new honorary treasurer of FCI. Former National Chair, Richard White was elected as honorary secretary, replacing Peter Farrelly, who was elected to a new position as FCI’s new CEETTAR delegate.

Ann Hanrahan from Birr, Offaly was also elected to a vice-chair position.