There have been several references to Gerry Gunning’s imminent retirement from the IFA, but we couldn’t let his formal departure pass without recognising his 42 years’ service to Irish farmers. Having officially retired last Friday week, true to form, the genial Roscommon native was on hand to help with budget analysis last Tuesday.

Another IFA departure sees Tom Short stepping down as the IFA’s South Leinster chair. The Wicklow drystock and tillage farmer is, like so many others, starting a dairy enterprise, and feels unable to commit the required time to the role.

James Kehoe, the Wexford chair, and Francie Gorman, the recent Laois county chair are both in the race, and I hear Derek Deane is considering a run. The first hurdle will be obtain three nominations from the eight county chairs in the region, meaning it will boil down to a two-horse race. Voting will be by branch officers by postal ballot.