John Joe Fitzgerald steps down as INHFA vice president
John Joe Fitzgerald has announced that he is stepping down as vice president of the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers' Association (INHFA).
The west Kerry sheep farmer will also withdraw from his work in the farm organisation due to health issues.
Fitzgerald has served as vice president of the INHFA for the past three-and-a-half years.
He also established the west Kerry branch of the INHFA just over four years ago, along with the county executive.
"On average, I was covering 52 meetings outside of Kerry every year since I started in the organisation, which doesn't include the meetings in Kerry and online.
"The travel demands from west Kerry to attend meetings has taken its toll," he told Agriland.
Fitzgerald said that he now wants to concentrate on spending time with his family and working on his farm.
INHFA
In a statement to Agriland, INHFA president Pheilim Molloy confirmed:
"John Joe Fitzgerald has indicated to the national executive of the Irish Natura & Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) of his intention to step down as vice president of the INHFA and step back from ongoing involvement in the organisation as a result of health concerns.
"While this is disappointing, the INHFA in accepting his decision, recognise that his health is a priority and want to wish him well in his recovery.
"We also want to acknowledge the massive effort made by John Joe over the last number of years that has benefited farmers in Kerry and across the country.
"It is our hope that following his recovery John Joe will consider taking on new roles in the organisation because he still has a lot to offer.
"But in the meantime we want to once again wish him and his family well and thank him for all he has done," Molloy added.
The INHFA was established in January 2015 to represent farmers on marginalised, hill and designated land.
