Dermot Ward Number of Challenges Facing Meath Farmers
Page 8
How IFA is structured
Page 9
Fighting for Pig Farmers
Page 10
Farm Business
Page 11
Tillage Farmers Urging Government for Help
Page 12
Dairy Farmers Turning to Robots
Page 13
Climate Change an Issue for Potato Farmers
Pages 18 & 19
Farm Safety
Pages 20 & 21
Environment
COVER:
Denis Fagan (right) of Meath IFA’s Dairy Committee with his brother David on their farm in Kildalkey
Strength Through Unity
A Voice For Rural Ireland And All Farm Families
Working Together to Achieve Sustainable Progress
AIDAN BRADY IFA REGIONAL EXECUTIVE
This year we mark a great occasion in the history of our organisation as we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Irish Farmers Association, formerly known as the National Farmers Association.
Founded on the 6th January 1955 at the Four Provinces ballroom in Harcourt Street, Dublin, the organisation has established itself as a major driving force in the development of the agriculture sector in the country over the past 70 years.
The main driving force was and still is to improve the condition of farmers and to ensure the best professional representation possible by its committed staff.
The organisations unique strength is its voluntary members, branches, and officers throughout this county and country wide who along with staff members drive the issues to achieve results.
In 1955, the economy of Ireland was almost totally dependent on agriculture but had not been utilised to its economic ability.
Strange that during the Recession 0f 2009, agriculture and agribusiness was seen as the vital component to the recovery of the economic
crisis. This should not go unnoticed and to ensure its role is maintained has surely to mean producers are rewarded.
IFA is continuing to provide leadership on policy with its latest submission on Food Vision 2030 which provides a blueprint for the future of farming. The submission sets out what is required in each of the commodity sectors to deliver increased farm profitability over the next 5 years.
Farmers today have to deal with a serious amount of regulatory challenges in order to stay within the boundaries of rules set out to them, the majority of which come from the EU. This in itself provides difficulty for IFA at a National Level when lobbying on certain aspects of upcoming policy as the only farming lobby who represent all sectors. Some policy decisions may be good for one sector and have a detrimental effect on other sectors. This is a balance that IFA have to determine and sometimes take a lot of negative commentary on.
Meath has 37 branches and the branch is the fundamental unit of the organisation. The branch officers are made up of chairman, secretary and registrar and the fourth delegate.
The branch has four votes at County Executive level provided one is female, if not it has three.
Issues are raised by branch delegates at County Executive level and if brought further are sent as a resolution to national council where they are discussed. Decisions are taken or not to form policy for the future. One cannot underestimate the branch structure. As Regional Executive for the county, I am dependent on branch officers both to get messages to and from. The registrar in the branch has responsibility to ensure members are maintained and their role is not to be underestimated. Every year there is a draw funded by FBD Trust for registrars who have fulfilled their function.
IFA Membership numbers in the County with over two thousand members between main members and family memberships. These members have access to a wide range of member benefits/discounts including, FBD Insurance, Vodafone, Bord Gais Electricity, VHI and many more which can be accessed via IFA Member Benefits.
The Kells IFA Office serves County Meath and County Dublin. The office was formally based at Tom Blake House on Bective Street, Kells but is now located above the offices of Alliance Auctioneers in the town. I would like to thank the present county officers, commodity chairman and
delegates for the manner by which they carry out their roles as ambassadors for the organisation. It is people like them that ensure this great organisation has survived and will survive into the future.
The men who spent time in jail epitomises what commitment is all about and we should all be grateful for the role the played. Others too have stood behind the organisation over the years and should not be forgotten wives, spouses, family members, who
have stood behind the people who were out night after night let it be a meeting, a protest or lobbying the Department of Agriculture, meat plants or politicians at local or national level.
I have been very fortunate to work for this organisation for the past four years, taking up the position following the retirement of Anthony Clinton who had dedicated almost 20 years to the IFA members in Co.Meath.
The organistation could not function without the
Congratulations and Best Wishes to
help and dedication of the voluntary officers, be it at County level or Branch level. I thank them all for the service they have given and continue to give to IFA in Co. Meath. I would like to thank all the press organisations I have worked with, the numerous people including local councillors, politicians and organisations that we contact on a regular basis to ensure that we and they are informed on what is relevant to sustain agriculture and the family farm into the future.
PICTURED ABOVE Aidan Brady, IFA Regional Executive
Number Of Challenges Facing Meath Farmers
County Meath IFA
Chairman Dermot Ward spoke to Louise Walsh about the challenges facing Meath Farmers today.
Anumber of challenges face Meath farmers including the spread of TB and the level of suicide among the agricultural community, according to the county's current IFA chairman Dermot Ward. The tillage and beef farmer has been the chairman for almost four years and follows generations of his family on the land near Dunmoe, Navan.
He and the Meath IFA committee are keeping a close eye on the renewal plans for the CAP (Common Agricultural
Policy) plan and are urging the EU to retain its current policy on nitrates derogation.
At present, this ruling by the European Commission permits farmers in Ireland to
exceed the standard limit for spreading organic nitrogen fertilizer, subject to stricter environmental conditions, and is reviewed periodically.
He also described the spread of TB
SMITH BROTHERS
(Tuberculosis) among the Royal County bovine herds as 'explosive'.
"If there was a TB outbreak years ago, it might have affected two or three of the herd but now it could be 23 or more," he said.
"There is an explosion of TB in the county and I suppose there are a few factors at play. Herds are fewer but larger. There is also a multiple and divisive movement of wildlife due to the construction of so much infrastructural work.”
"The construction of greenways and buildings upset the natural habitat of animals who then migrate and can cause the spread of infection.”
"There is an ongoing joint operation between stakeholders, national parks and wildlife, government agencies and farmers and they are all doing their best but with little progress. It is a huge issue which has traumatic effects on families, both financial and personal."
Mr Ward also highlighted the price of grain which is low in relation to the production costs and said a tonne of grain, currently costing between €180-€200 euro a tonne should be commanding at least €100 more.
"Irish farmers are confined to EU regulations so they can't use cheaper sprays, many of which are deemed as carcinogenic. However, these cheap sprays are still being used in countries outside the EU and we are importing them so they are undermining the price of Irish grain.”
“Products removed on health grounds from the EU market are readily available in other markets such as South America.
"We have had a good year in terms of harvest and weather and our stores are full. But yet, imports are still being brought in. Imports should have to undergo the same stringent tests and adhere
If there was a TB outbreak years ago, it might have affected two or three of the herd but now it could be 23 or more
to the same regulations as Irish farmers."
Mr Ward also addressed the ACRES (Agri-Climate Rural Environment) scheme, which he believes is the victim of its own success.
ACRES is Ireland's agrienvironment climate scheme under Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan. This €1.5 billion flagship scheme is a farmerfriendly scheme to help address biodiversity decline and water quality while delivering an income support for up to 50,000 farm families in Ireland.
Up until March 2025, a total of just under €441 million was paid to participants, of which €193.5 million was in respect of the 2024 scheme and €247.4 million related to the 2023 scheme.
"The Department was snowed under by demand. The success of the scheme has been its downfall and led to delays in payments and inspections."
"There was good news too for farmers. Milk quotas saw a large expansion in dairy schemes and the price of beef has increased, as has the price of pork though there has been an issue about the propensity at pig processing plants. Having said that, the numbers of commercial pig producers has fallen from thousands in years gone by to just 120 now.”
"The only thing that hasn't increased is prices
of wheat, barley, oats and rape seed. Farmers are getting the blame for the rise in prices but the increases are a direct result of the EU reducing subsidies to farmers to keep food prices low.”
"These subsidies have all been reduced so the farmer has to get a return in the market place to survive. The subsidy to farmers of €550 a hectare is now €200 or less per hectare.”
"Fertiliser has increased from €400 to €1400 a tonne and we can't keep absorbing these costs."
The issue of mental health issues in the farming community has shocked Mr Ward.
"I took up this position as chair to look after farmers and I have been shocked by the mental health issues caused by personal and financial matters.”
"The level of it frightened me. It was like a curve ball coming at me. It is a huge issue bubbling under the surface and while we are not qualified, we can listen, encourage people to talk and advise them on services to turn to. Noone should feel they are on their own or be embarrassed to ask for help."
Finally, he thanked all his predecessors, especially Tom Blake who founded and led the NFA (National Farmers Association) in Meath.
"There are a lot of us trying to carry on that hard work of the past and to work with farmers to improve their lot for the future in our voluntary roles.”
"In my post, I've been shown really good will by farmers who conduct their business always in a respectful manner and I would remind people that every €1 the farmer spends in the local community is worth €7 in multiple local businesses.”
"Farmers spend in the local community, not in the casinos of Monte Carlo.
County Meath IFA Chairman Dermot Ward
STRUCTURE
How The IFA Is Structured
The IFA is Ireland’s largest farming representative organisation. We have protected and defended the interests of Irish farmers in all sectors for 70 years. We represent Irish farmers at home and in Europe, lobbying and campaigning for improved conditions and incomes for farm families.
We also provide representation, support and advice to members on an individual basis.
IFA is a democratic association, organised in branches, County Executive and National Committees. Through our democratic structure, each member can have their say.
OUR STRUCTURE & CONSTITUTION: IFA is a democratic association, organised into branches, county executives and national committees. Our democratic structure gives each member a chance to have a say in the development of IFA policy and priorities.
IFA CONSTITUTION AND RULES: The IFA Constitution and Rules set out how the organisation is structured and how it operates. Log on to www. ifa.ie and download or view the full Constitution and Rules
IFA BRANCHES: Each IFA member is a member of an IFA branch. Each IFA branch elects up to four delegates to represent the branch on the relevant County Executive.
COUNTY EXECUTIVES: The Association’s 29 County Executives play a central role in the organisation, providing a link between national level and branch members on the ground in each county.
The job of the County Executive is to canvass the views
of members and branches on policy and other issues, and to represent those views within the Association, through the various National Committees and at National Council. County representatives at national level also have the important task of reporting back to their counties on IFA activities, national policy decisions and other developments.
COUNTY CHAIRS: Each County Executive elects a Chair. The Chair is the key IFA leader and chief spokesperson in their county. The Chair also represents the county on IFA’s governing body, the National Council. The County Chair is supported by the other elected County officers.
NATIONAL COMMITTEES & PROJECT TEAMS: Each County Executive elects representatives to IFA’s National Committees. National Committees have the crucial job of identifying important issues within their
sector or area of responsibility, analysing and interpreting issues, and formulating policy and strategy to deal with the challenges facing farmers.
Each National Committee elects a Chair who represents the Committee at National Council.In addition to National Committees, IFA has Project Teams tasked with advancing specific issues affecting farmers in areas such as flooding, inputs, SACs, etc.
The IFA President and National Officers , in consultation with the National Council and National Committees, appoint the members of the Project Teams and their Chairs are fully accountable to the Council.
NATIONAL COUNCIL: The National Council is the national governing body of the IFA, bringing together the County Chairs, National Committee Chairs and National Officers under the leadership of the President who chairs its
meetings. The Council has a hands-on involvement in devising IFA strategy and providing the engine for policy and delivery.
The National Council is comprised of: the President 6 other National Officers 29 County Chairs plus 2 additional representatives from Kerry and Galway (the only counties with more than twice the average county membership) 16 National Committee Chairs plus 1 additional Livestock representative Macra na Feirme President and the IFA Director General. The Editor of the Irish Farmers Journal and the President of ICOS are non-voting observer members.
National Officers: Four Regional Chairs are elected by County Executives in their region. The regions are Munster, SouthLeinster, Ulster/North-Leinster and Connacht. The Regional Chairs sit on National Council and, together with the President,
Deputy President and National Treasurer/Returning Officer, are the National Officers of the Association.
They are responsible for communicating with County Executives between Council meetings and co-ordinating campaigns at regional level.
CODE OF CONDUCT OF NATIONAL COUNCIL, NATIONAL COMMITTEES, COMMODITY SECTIONS & PROJECT TEAMS: IFA has a code of conduct in place for members of IFA National Council, national committees, commodity sections and project teams.
IFA PRESIDENT: The IFA President and Deputy President are elected through a national vote at branch level, in which all IFA members are entitled to vote. This gives IFA’s leaders a powerful democratic mandate.
Voting in IFA’s national elections is through proportional representation (PR) by means of the single transferable vote.
DIRECTOR GENERAL: The Director General is the Chief Executive Officer of the Association. He works very closely with the President at all times in leading the Association and directing resources to achieve IFA’s objectives, and he is accountable to the Council.
The Director General is responsible for all matters relating to staff, in consultation with the IFA President and Deputy President.
SECRETARY - ASSOCIATION
SECRETARY: The Association Secretary is the Secretary to National Council.
The Secretary reports directly to the Council and advises the President and Council members on all matters relating to governance.
IFA President Francie Gorman
Dairy Farmers Are Turning To Robots To Help Meet Challenges
Demand Is Outweighing Supply As The Consumption Of Milk Is Increasing Again
LOUISE WALSH
Dairy farmers are starting to turn to robots to help in milking as the sector continues to face the challenges of succession. The last year has been a good 12 months for dairy farmers who reaped the benefits of good weather and good prices but increased production costs and threats to changing
derogation at EU level are all looming struggles.
One of the biggest problems the sector faces is that less than 50% of dairy farmers have a successor to take over the business and the land and that problem seems to be worse in commuter counties to Dublin, where the lure of jobs with less hours and more pay is proving too much for young people.
Dad of two Denis Fagan is on Meath IFA's Dairy
Committee and milks 350 cows on the land he farms in partnership with his brother David in Kildalkey.
"It's been a good year for milk prices and good weather," he said. "Milk producers are now getting about 49c per litre which is up from 35c twelve months ago. But there is no surplus of milk anymore as 90% of Irish milk is exported to the world market.”
"Demand is outweighing supply as the consumption
of milk is increasing again. For a long time, people veered away from milk, butter and dairy but I think now most experts agree that milk is very beneficial for health, containing good fats and a multitude of vitamins and minerals.”
"For the first 20 years of this century, food inflation has been less than one per cent, according to figures from the Central Statistics Office and it just came to a punch point - increases had to happen but understandably no-one wants to pay more for things.”
"Farmers are also paying more for fertilizer, land leases, energy and labour."
Denis believes that the two biggest challenges facing dairy farming are succession and derogation.
"Less than 50% of dairy farms have a successor and that is going to be a huge problem. Young people
growing up on farms, especially in the Dublin commuter belt, don't want the long hours of farming and turn instead to different careers for better money.”
“There is talk that derogation, that is the rules under which we farm, will change again so that young people can't invest in farming with confidence.”
"Farmers used to be allowed 250 kilogrammes of nitrogen per hectare and this was reduced at EU
level to 220 kg but there is talk it will again be dropped to 170 kilogrammes. This will mean a drop of 20% in the number of cattle we are allowed."
There are currently an estimated 1.6 million dairy cows in Ireland and a further forced drop in numbers under any new ruling will leave many farms unviable, Denis believes.
"If farmers have 100 cows and they are told to get rid of 20 of them, the whole farm will be unviable and so farmers will sell all the cows and retire or diversify.”
Denis concluded "At present, some farmers have already turned to robots to help milking on the farm, which helps with staff shortages - which are plentiful at the moment and may only get worse as numbers working on farms fall."
Denis Fagan (right) of Meath IFA’s Dairy Committee on the land he farms in partnership with brother David in Kildalkey.
Fair Value for Hard Work: Protecting Winter Milk Supply
Over the past two years, liquid milk producers have faced some of the most difficult challenges in memory. Costs soared while shelf prices were slashed, leaving many farmers wondering if the effort of keeping fresh milk available all year round was truly valued.
When retailers dropped the price of milk in 2023, it sent shockwaves through the sector and cut into already stretched margins.
The reality is that fewer and fewer farmers are willing to stay in liquid milk because of the pressure. Yet consumers still expect fresh milk in their fridges every single day of the year. That’s only possible because some of us commit to producing
through the winter, when costs are highest.
Thankfully, there have been some positives in recent months. Input costs have eased a little, and importantly, we’ve seen retail prices start to climb back up again.
That restores some badly needed value and shows that when farmers stand their ground, progress can be made. It gives a bit more confidence that the work and commitment involved in liquid milk is recognised.
Of course, the challenges are far from over. Environmental
restrictions are tightening, compliance costs are rising, and difficult weather has made feeding herds more expensive. These pressures all fall heavily on winter suppliers. But despite it all, Irish households continue to show their loyalty to fresh milk, with consumption levels among the highest in the world.
My message is simple: if retailers and processors put proper value on winter milk, farmers will continue
We have shown resilience through tough times, but fairness is essential.
With the right support, the future of liquid milk production can remain strong.
to deliver.
IFA Liquid Milk Committee Chairperson, Henry Dunne
Robots? Pull The Udder One!
Farmers Turning to Robots to Help with Milking
More cows are queuing up to effectively milk themselves as more and more farmers in Meath turn to robots to help labour shortages and make agricultural life a little bit more flexible.
It's estimated that about 2,000 robots have been installed on Irish farms up until last year and, Enda Horgan and his family where one of the first tranche of farmers that took a leap of fate into the machines ten years ago.
The Castletown-based farmer now has four robots to milk his herd of 250 cows, with each machine able to milk up to 60 or 70 at day.
The grazing cows are free to walk into the
parlour's holding areas at any point of the day and once inside, they are identified by their tags.
If the cow's been milked too recently, an electronic gate leads it out. But if not, its udders are brushed and cleaned before a laser pinpoints exactly where to clamp the milk pumps gently.
Enda now has farmers from all over the world coming to his farm to view how the robots work with a grazing system.
"When I first got them, I was told I was mad but there have been very few downsides to them," he said.
"The cows line up and can feed off a meal bin while the robotic arm milks and then they are away out to pasture again.
"It's all automated so I'm alerted if there is any malfunction and to get told of a break down at 3am is one of the only downsides," he laughed.
"The system is very sensitive and can pick up any changes in temperatures or differences in the yield which could signify illness earlier that we can visibly see it."
Enda said the machines can aid labour shortages as well as enabling farmers to be more flexible with their time.
Traditional dairy farmers typically milk cows twice a day using automatic pumps that have to be manually attached and which is a time-consuming process.
"You can plan to do other things and I've seen teachers and miners and
others who can have another career as well because they can leave the milking to the robots.”
"They use robots for milking all over the world but usually the cows are in the shed beside the machines. It's only in Ireland and New Zealand mainly that we use the
machines with the grazing system so people come here from all over the world to see how the cows come in from the fields to get themselves milked.”
"We had an open day here on the farm recently in conjunction with the Dutch robot makers Lely
to show case 10 years of milking.”
Enda finished by saying "The only other downside is that they can only milk up to 70 cows a day but then again, you can always get another robot! We've had them for ten years and really, there are no complaints."
Enda had an open day recently in conjunction with Dutch Robot makers Lely
LOUISE WALSH
DIVERSIFICATION
Eggciting Diversification!
LOUISE WALSH
More and more egg farmers are turning to vending machines as a diverse way of selling their fresh produce straight to market.
Fresher and more local eggs at keener prices is why Reynolds Eggs Express machines are proving so popular at five locations throughout the royal county.
Farm owner Ray Reynolds explains that the vending machines were just another to help keep the business viable in an ever competitive market.
"I was working in computers when my dad asked me to help run the farm so I decided to diversify. So we are constantly thinking of ways to improve and grow the business for ourselves and our daughters," he said.
"When we went into egg production, I decided to find a way that I could help local people to access our produce easily while also keeping the farm secured for health and
safety and disease control reasons.”
"I remember seeing a man called Paddy Muckian on the Late Late Show with his idea of an egg vending machine and so I looked him up and that was that. I got one vending machine 12 years ago outside the farm and then I put another four in Navan, Trim, Kells and Kilmessan to make it easier on people who
were travelling here from those locations."
"People love that the eggs are no more than a day old and only €8 for 30 free range eggs which they can get when a door opens in the machine after they tap their card."
Ray has 40,000 hens at his farm, near Garlow Cross, but most of his eggs are taken by a distribution company in Co. Monaghan. He says one of the biggest challenges facing egg producers in the Republic of Ireland right now is cross-border price differences.
"In the north, farmers are being paid 50c more per dozen of eggs than we are, which is a massive difference. And then the eggs are being sold here in supermarkets for a cheaper price so we are lobbying to get prices up for farmers in the south."
Back to the machines and vending, he says, won't make any farmer rich but it is another string to the business bow.
"The machines are a novelty for a lot of people who can access the machine at any time of the day or night and we are lucky here in the Garlow Cross area because people can get fresh eggs, potatoes and milk from
farms within a five kilometer radius from here."
As well as potatoes and eggs, the vending machines are also being used to sell strawberries and other produce in places across the county.
One of the vending machines where customers can purchase 30 free range eggs for just €8
Farm owner Ray Reynolds is constantly thinking of ways of improving and growing the business
George Claxton: A Life Of Service
To Farming And Community
When the history of farming in County Meath is written, one name will stand out with distinction, George Claxton. For more than two decades, he personified the National Farmers’ Association in the county, serving as its voice, its steady hand, and its trusted leader. That such a role was held by a Kilkenny man in a county known for taking its time to embrace outsiders speaks volumes about his ability to befriend, to listen, and to judge wisely.
Born in Kilkenny, Claxton’s early life was marked by a passion for horses. A successful amateur jockey and respected breeder, he left the south in 1943 to settle in Rathe, near Kilmainhamwood.
His involvement with Macra na Feirme quickly placed him at the centre of local agricultural life, and when the National Farmers’ Association was founded in 1955, he was naturally to the fore.
Those who knew him remember not only his stature but his presence. Tall, dignified, and invariably dressed with care, often in his trademark white trench coat, he carried himself with quiet authority.
His voice, firm and persuasive, was one that commanded attention without ever raising itself in anger.
Recognition of that authority came swiftly. At national level, he was appointed the first Honorary Treasurer of the NFA and also served as a county representative.
Locally, Meath farmers placed their trust in him by electing him as the county’s first chairman. He would hold that office for an extraordinary seventeen years, a period during which he came to be regarded as one of the most capable and fair-minded leaders in the organisation’s history. Colleagues recall his gift for balance. His leadership was marked by fairness, tolerance, and a rare understanding of the pressures faced by ordinary farmers.
He was also a strategist. With a genuine enthusiasm for building a strong, unified farming body, he managed to combine the fiery passion of Tom Blake with the
exceptional organisational talents of Patsy Gargan, forging a dynamic executive that gave Meath farmers a powerful voice.
Claxton’s service extended well beyond county lines. From 1957 to 1961, he was National Vice President of the NFA, and he also chaired its first Horse Committee , a natural fit given his lifelong equestrian interests. He sat on the board of I.M.P., further strengthening his influence in national agricultural affairs. Yet, despite the breadth of his commitments, he remained a man who preferred to work quietly, often behind the scenes. He had that rare gift of getting things done without causing
offence, a quality that won him respect in every circle he entered. After retiring to live near Navan in the mid-1980s, George Claxton continued to be regarded as a true leader, one who had given more than half a century of service to the farming community of the Royal County. George passed away in June 1993, leaving behind not just a record of achievement but a legacy of fairness, dedication, and unity.
In an era when leadership is often measured in sound bites and fleeting gestures, George Claxton’s life remains a reminder of what true service looks like: steady, selfless, and enduring.
George Claxton (right) pictured at the inaugural meeting of the National Farmers Association in the Four Provinces Ballroom in Dublin with Dr P Moran and William Smyth
TIMELINE OF THE FARMERS’ RIGHTS CAMPAIGN
December 19th 1966: The Meath executive met in the Russell Arms Hotel Navan, and decided to picket Ardee Court on Thursday 22nd December where three Lobinstown members were being prosecuted for non payment of rates.
January 9th 1967: On Jan 9th all bridges crossing the Boyne in Co. Meath were blocked by a variety of cars, lorries, tractors and farm implements. Bridges blocked included Kilcarne, Newbridge, Stackallen, Bellinter, Newtown, Drinadaly, Scarriff and Inchamore.
Mr. George Claxton, Meath N.F.A Chairman advised that everything possible would be done to facilitate emergencies and that Stackallen bridge would be kept open for this purpose. It was pointed out that at that time many farmers were subsisting on as little as £5 per week. Gardai reacted in a restrained manner and took the names of many farmers involved.
February 4th 1967: Summons against 66 farmers from Co. Meath for causing obstruction and dangerous parking at bridges in the Navan
district were adjourned to a special sitting of the court on February 10th. 19 farmers whose prosecutions were brought before Slane court were also adjourned to the special sitting on February 10th
February 9th 1967: The Minster for Agriculture Mr. Blaney, announced that he was to establish his own farmers’ Council –the National Agricultural Council.
February 10th 1967: At a special court sitting in Navan, 12 farmers were asked to give an undertaking not to repeat the offences and having refused to do so were ordered to enter into a bond of £25 each to keep the peace for 12 months. If they failed to do so within seven days they would be imprisoned for 3 months.
February 16th 1967: Eight members of the N.F.A were summoned at Athboy Court for causing obstructions at Scarriff bridge on January 9th Over 100 N.F.A members were present for the hearing. All of the defendants admitted the offences and all declined to give an undertaking not to repeat the offence.
District Justice D. O’Donnachadha fined each defendant £10, or three months imprisonment in default, and directed them to enter into a bond to keep the peach for 12 months or in a default for signing the bond, three months imprisonment.
February 21st 1967: Nine farmers were taken to Mountjoy jail for refusing to pay court fines arising out of road blockades.
February 23rd 1967: The N.F.A decided it would not join the Minister’s Council.
March 1st 1967: total of farmers in jail had risen to 84. Many Meath farmers among this group. A special meeting of Meath Executive on Wednesday, March 1st fully endorsed the commodity strike.
March 6th 1967: There were no cattle and no auctioneers at Dublin Cattle Market.
March 8th 1967: Behind the scenes efforts to resolve the crisis.
March 10th 1967: Fifty women from Kildare staged a protest parade outside Mountjoy prison for two hours.
March 13th 1967: The N.F.A announced that it would not engage in any further activities outside the law.
March 14th 1967: The Government expressed it willingness to recommence talks with the farmers and said that the way was no open for direct contact with Minister for Agriculture. The 65 farmers in Mountjoy and Limerick jails returned home. The Meath farmers on release were welcomed by N.F.A President Rickard Deasy and had lunch in the city. At 5pm they were met by a cavalcade of cars and fellow farmers in Blanchardstown. There were huge welcoming bonfires at Dunshaughlin and Garlow Cross with 1000 farmers assembled in the Market Square Navan.
The attendance was addressed by George Claxton, Chairman, Joe Bruton, Organising Committee, Peter Baxter, Slane and James Monaghan, Slane, speaking on behalf of the jailed farmers, thanked whose who had looked after their farms while they were imprisoned.
March 21st 1967: A 3pm to mid night meeting between the N.F.A and the Taoiseach and Minister for Agriculture failed to produce any basis for a settlement of the dispute.
April 4th 1967: First meeting of Mr. Blaneys N.A.C. Not attended by N.F.A.
April 14th 1967: Government warning on “withholding of rates” campaign.
April 24th 1967: Taoiseach makes an unprecedented television appearance on the Campaign. Six Meath farmers are arrested, taken to Mountjoy Jail and later transferred to
Portlaoise – Oliver O’Toole (Dunmoe) Sean Collier (Kilmessan) John Condra (Nobber) Ronnie Murray (Rathmolyon) William Potterton (Kildalkey) and Thomas Carolan (Oakley Park Kells).Mrs Murray, Rathmolyon, told the Meath Chronicle that an army of N.F.A men had arrived at her husband’s farm and were quickly getting all the Spring work done while her husband was in jail. This case typified that of other Meath families whose farms were being looked after by the N.F.A while their owners were in prison. Earlier in the day, nineteen farmers were arrested for refusing to pay fines arising out of the road blockade and three prominent N.F.A men had property seized because they had withheld their rates. Mr. Deasy, in a “personal message” to members told them that where finances permitted rates could now be paid.
Rickard Deasy leading the protest into Dublin in 1966
These boots are made for walking - Bob Stack bathing his tired feet after walking from Kerry to join the protest in in 1966.
