McKiernan to step down as secretary of Charolais society

Nevan McKiernan from Co. Cavan has announced his decision to step down as secretary of the Irish Charolais Cattle Society after eight years in the role.

In a notice on the society’s website, McKiernan said: “I wish to inform you all that I will be leaving my position as secretary of the society in the coming months.”

He added that his decision to step down “is purely from a personal point of view” and explained that he wishes “to pursue other interests in life”.

The outgoing breed secretary added: “It has been a great honour to serve as secretary of Europe’s number one beef breed for the past eight years.

“Thankfully, as well as making massive genetic gains, the breed has enjoyed some remarkable highs in recent years, producing numerous record-breaking sales.

“When making decisions, I have always tried to keep two things in mind, ‘is it good for the members?, is it good for the breed? I believe for the most part, it has served me and the society well.”

In the statement, he took the opportunity to thank both past and present council members “for their cooperation over the years”.

He mentioned past presidents Kevin Maguire, Noel McGoldrick and Oliver Connolly, who he said were “a pleasure to work with”.

He also gave a special word of thanks to his work colleagues, John Beirne, Kate Browne, and Barbara Jay Downey and said: “Most of all, I would like to thank you the breeders, who I have dealt with on a daily basis”.

Concluding, McKiernan wished the society and its members “the very best in the future” and added: “As a great man once said ‘every breed stands second to Charolais’.”