Hugh Farrell is to depart from his role as Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association (ICSA) general secretary.

The Cavan man has been in the position since May 2024, following the departure of his predecessor Eddie Punch to contest a seat in the European elections in June of 2024.

Farrell has been a long-time activist within the ICSA, serving as the national animal health and welfare chair before contesting the presidency in 2019.

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In recent months, an apparent rift has opened up within the organisation.

President

Association president Seán McNamara’s high-profile participation in the fuel protests saw the ICSA excluded from the weekend talks that preceded the announcement of the fuel support package.

McNamara is in his second term as president, having shared the presidency with Dermot Kelleher from 2022 to 2024. He is entitled to seek a third two-year term, but is understood to have indicated that he won’t pursue this option at the end of this year.

The ICSA’s management committee has confirmed Farrell’s departure.

A statement issued in its name said: “Following the election of a new management committee at this year's AGM, [the] ICSA has undertaken a review of its organisational structures and operations to ensure the association is best positioned to meet the needs of members into the future. As part of that process, changes have been made to the organisation's operational structure and Hugh Farrell will no longer hold the position of general secretary.

"[The] ICSA has always been an organisation of farmers for farmers. Our focus remains firmly on representing the interests of cattle, sheep and suckler farmers and ensuring their voices are heard at every level of policy and decision-making.

"We remain committed to strengthening that representation and continuing to evolve in response to the needs of our members.”