Dairy farmer elected as new Tullamore Show chairperson

A dairy farmer has been elected as the new chairperson of the Tullamore Show, and a new show secretary has been appointed, following the annual general meeting (AGM) of the Tullamore Show & FBD National Livestock Show last month.

History was made, according to the organisation, when Joseph Molloy, a dairy farmer from Leamore, Boora, Co. Offaly, was the unanimous choice of the meeting which took place over Zoom for the first time ever on Tuesday (January 12).

According to the organisation behind the famous midlands show, Joe has been a member of the Show Executive committee for several years, and has been involved in several roles of responsibility, most recently as head of carparking.

Joe – who farms on the edge of Lough Boora in partnership with his son Paul – is well known locally through his involvement with the Tullamore show and the Leamore Development Association.

Glowing tributes were paid to outgoing chairperson Brenda Kiernan, having successfully guided the show through the last four years.

The new chairman paid tribute to the great work of Freda Kinnarney on her retirement, who has been a part of the show for the last 27 years.

“Her wonderful enthusiasm and commitment to the show has played a major part in the success of the Tullamore show to date and she was instrumental in making the FBD National Livestock show the top show in the country,” a representative of the show said. Freda is to remain on the show executive.

Chelsey Cox McDonald has taken up Freda’s role as Show Secretary. Chelsey has worked for the show for the last 12 years.

Chelsey has held the role of office manager and has been instrumental in the success of the show in recent years. She holds a first class honours degree in business and has a keen interest in farming.

On the night new and younger members of the executive were elected to officer roles. Conor Camon, a dairy farmer and agricultural advisor from Cloghan, was elected as assistant secretary.

Rodney Cox, a former chairman, remains in his role as treasurer and will be ably assisted by the newly elected Ann Starling.

Ferbane native Steven Kelly will take up the role of show PRO, assisted by outgoing PRO Christy Maye.

The Tullamore Show said it has over 30 executive members “who are exploring new possibilities and are looking to a bright future and a show that will hopefully go ahead this year”.

After the AGM, the new chairman said: “I am delighted to see younger members of the executive coming to the fore and I look forward to working with them and with Chelsey and I wish her every success in her new role.”