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Recently, we attended the Carrigaline IFA dinner dance in the Carrigaline Court Hotel. It is almost an annual affair for us. Our great friend, Pat Lehane usually reminds us that the function is imminent. He felt he was on a roll this year proclaiming that Carrigaline had two, newly elected, young, dynamic people at the helm. Joe Deane as the branch’s chairman and Suzanne McCarthy Forbes as secretary.
A new hairstyle
I have to admit, it was daunting walking into the function room that was milling with people, all who have been friendly faces over many years. It was the first time I was appearing in public with my new hairstyle. My hair has begun to grow back now that I’m finished with cancer treatment. It is curly and steely grey. My family and friends told me I was lovely and it suited me and so on. I was not convinced. So I paid a visit to Michael in Darcy’s, my long time hair stylist. I didn’t know what I wanted him to do. He explained that he would have to shape it and tone it, which apparently is not the same as colouring it. It would be a long time before I’d return to having my blonde locks.
Meanwhile, there is a process of recovery like every other part of me and he promised me that he would guide me through it. He has done that since the moment I knew that I was going to lose my hair. Michael did his magic and after much blow drying and waxing, I was more than presentable. I’m told, once again, that I’m lovely and it suits me. The problem is that I don’t recognise me. When I pass a mirror or my face is reflected back to me in a shiny surface, I flinch. Out of habit, I reach for one of my caps. I’m between worlds. The wig doesn’t fit comfortably over the amount of hair that I now have. Such a small problem but still hard to ignore when entering into a crowd.
I need not have worried. I got a warm welcome from the ladies and gents that we’ve soldiered in Macra and IFA with, over many years. What lovely, honest and beautiful people. There’s no doubt that we farmers are salt of the earth, people who tell the truth and wear our hearts of family and farming on our sleeves.
I have to admit, it was daunting walking into the function room that was milling with people, all who have been friendly faces over many years. It was the first time I was appearing in public with my new hairstyle. My hair has begun to grow back now that I’m finished with cancer treatment. It is curly and steely grey
Jimmy Hosford has been elected Cork Central Executive’s new president. Jimmy and his wife Evelyn have been stalwart members of the Carrigaline branch for years. Jimmy is a steady and experienced IFA man. The Carrigaline branch is a bit like the structure of many farms, our own included, with the experienced farmers working alongside the young enthusiastic entrepreneurial ones. It is a proven recipe for success. This function is also well supported by Macra.
Involvement
Joe Deane, chairman, said that he got involved in IFA because it is the organisation that represents the biggest cohort of farmers in the country and needs to be supported. Joe sees, “an abundance of exceptionally dedicated and talented people throughout the organisation.” He encouraged young people to get involved in IFA so that they can actively influence their own futures.
It was Alice Doyle’s first official IFA event. She read the room and mood perfectly setting out some of the goals without getting into policy details. It was a social occasion and people respected that. New officers bring new momentum and enthusiasm. I wish the new team of IFA leadership under Francie Gorman every success.
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