They have been dubbed the “Famous Five”, confined to Murrin Island (sorry Enid) for 28 days. They say it was the longest occupation of a public building by protesters since the foundation of the State.

While there are legitimate questions about whether the action was proportionate or warranted, no-one could doubt the resolve, tenacity and courage of the five IFA members who chose to remain in Bord Bia’s Dublin headquarters until Francie Gorman had signed off on an agreement on board governance and Larry Murrin.

Farmers all over the country were galvanized into action, outraged as the then-six protesters (Adrian Gallagher was there for the first week) were denied food on the fifth day of their sit-in, Saturday 7 February.

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In hindsight, Bord Bia must regret that decision, which was quickly reversed; the five received food regularly over the remaining 23 days.

When the IFA staged public meetings in Claremorris, Athy and Cavan town, there were standing ovations each night when the five appeared on screen.

It was a diverse group, but gelled to lead from within. Patrick McCormick undoubtedly was the leader of the pack. It was the Monaghan man who led almost two dozen people into the Bord Bia office back on 4 February, and it was he who led them out. He looked physically exhausted and was visibly emotional, but utterly defiant.

He and Tom Byrne had planned to occupy the building if an opportunity arose in advance, and came prepared.

Byrne, farmer, agricultural contractor and recent Wicklow IFA county chair, is rarely seen without his headset.

Maverick

He is famously straight-shooting, a maverick, always with a question for the top-table that comes from a different angle- whether that top-table is a minister, the IFA president, or anyone else.

As a diabetic, Bord Bia made sure he was fed during that day when the other occupiers were being refused food.

Teresa Roche is well-known within farming for a number of reasons. The founder and face of the successful Kylemore Farmhouse Cheese brand, the Galway woman is also the national chair of the IFA’s farm family committee.

Her easy manner might cause people to underestimate her resolve, but her father Bertie told the Athy meeting that it runs deep –Teresa’s great-grandfather had stood for land and liberty when evictions were taking place in the 19th century.

Richard Moeran is well spoken and polite, with his commitment to the IFA clear.

He previously chaired Agri Aware, and he would have been acutely aware of the impact his action and that of his fellow protesters would have.

Christine Friel was probably the least-well known of the five people who refused to leave Bord Bia at the outset of the protest.

When people heard that the Donegal representative on the farm family committee had two sons, nine and 11, at home, her commitment became clear.

Cheery and effervescent, she had the perfect personality to keep spirits up through the long days and nights.