The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA) has confirmed to Agriland that Hugh Farrell will "no longer hold the position of general secretary" of the organisation.

Farrell has not commented today (Monday, June 15) on the development.

However in a statement the ICSA said that following the election of a new management committee at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) earlier this year "a review of its organisational structures and operations" had taken place.

According to the ICSA this review was carried out to "ensure the association is best positioned to meet the needs of members into the future".

It added: "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.

"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"

ICSA

Hugh Farrell had held the role of general secretary of the ICSA since May 2024.

The role of ICSA general secretary had been previously held by Eddie Punch who ran as candidate in the European Elections two years ago.

Farrell had also been a senior official with the organisation for a number of year and had also been chair of its Animal Health and Welfare Committee.

Farrell, who is from Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan, has farmed suckler cattle all his life and is well known in the agricultural community.

When he took up the role of general secretary of the ICSA in May 2024 he had said that one of his key goals was to "grow the association and strengthen the voice of drystock farmers".

At the time he said: "ICSA is the one true voice of Irish cattle and sheep farmers and I want to ensure that every cattle and sheep farmer in Ireland feels supported and heard.”