The Irish Simmental Cattle Society held an EGM on 11 January in Tullamore at which the current council was disbanded.

Members attending the meeting were faced with a motion to disband the present society council in its entirety and elect a new council in their place.

Ahead of the EGM, a council meeting took place where both the president, Gordon Salter, and vice president, Hugh Murray, stepped down.

Described by those in attendance as chaotic and emotional, the EGM drew a vote of 206 – a total of 179 voted in favour of disbanding the council, with 26 against and one spoiled vote.

Along with Slater and Murray, members of the council prior to the vote included Sean McGarry, Ann Corcoran, William Cotter, Martin Doohan, Liam Martin, Declan Oates, Brendan Peoples, Coln Stenson and John Tuohy.

This vote will go down as a sign of confidence in the current society secretary Peadar Glennon.

Difficulties

Following the vote, he spoke about the difficulties which have led to a few tough years. The attendance broke into a round of applause for Mr Glennon following this speech, acknowledging the work he has done.

A temporary council was then elected to run the society affairs with office staff until a new council is elected.

The six nominated to take up the role are Jennie Aherne, Raymond O’Malley, Bertie Houston, Paddy Hennelly, Padge Mulhare and John Finnegan. They will report back to each of their respective clubs on any developments from now on.