Brendan Lawlor, a dairy farmer from Ballybunion, Co Kerry, is the new chair of financial services company Ifac.

Lawlor succeeds Mayo farmer and long-standing member of the committee Sean Clarke, who has served as chair of ifac for two terms since 2017.

The Kerryman runs a herd of 80 British Friesian cows and followers along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Ahead of its time, over a decade ago, he installed a micro-wind turbine that now produces approximately 70% of his farm’s electrical needs.

He will now head up the firm that specialises in tax advisory, accountancy, pension planning, succession planning and other financial services.

He recently completed a six-year term as an IFA farm business representative for Kerry.

Privilege

“It’s a great privilege to have been elected as chair of ifac and to be a part of the firm’s evolution over the next couple of years.

“Despite the pandemic, ifac is continuing to grow and expand its services to support Irish farmers with their day-to-day decision making and planning for the future,” he said.

Frank Evans will serve as vice-chair of ifac, representing the Cavan and Monaghan region.

The dairy and poultry farmer has been a member of ifac since 1987 and has just completed his sixth year on the ifac board.