In recent weeks, a number of women from right across the country have taken the reigns of their respective county branches of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA).

Last night, both Ann Mitchell and Elizabeth Orminston were elected as the county chairs for Galway and Cavan respectively.

This follows on from a number of other appointments in recent weeks.

In early January, it was confirmed that Ann Baker would take over from Billy Cotter – who spent four years in the role – as the IFA chair in the Cork North region.

The decision was announced at the county executive AGM in Corrin Mart, Fermoy, Co. Cork on January 8.

In mid-December, Erica O’Keefe was elected as the IFA’s county chair for Tipperary South; she took over from Simon Ryan.

This followed on from an announcement that Imelda Walsh would take over from Tim Cullinan in the Tipperary North branch of the IFA as county chair.

There are a total of 33 county representatives in the IFA; Co. Tipperary is split into north and south, while Co. Cork is also divided into north, central and west. As well as this both counties Kerry and Galway have a second representative.

The chairperson of the county executives has key responsibilities as both the IFA leader and chief spokesperson in their respective areas, as well as being the county’s representative on the executive council.

The county chair is supported by the other elected county officers, in particular the county vice-chairperson and the county secretary. They are also supported by the development officer and administrator, who are based in the local IFA office.