By Dan Walsh
Monageer farmer, James Kehoe, (41), who is nearing the end of his four-year term as Wexford County Chairman has lost out on his bid to become IFA (Irish Farmer’s Association) South Leinster Regional Chairman.
The new Chairman is Francie Gorman, former Chairman of Laois IFA. He received 1,390 votes, to defeat James Kehoe from Wexford with 867 votes.
IFA National Returning Officer Martin Stapleton announced the result at the count held in the Irish Farm Centre on Friday afternoon in line with public health guidelines.
Mr. Stapleton said the turnout of 87% among delegates to the eight county executives in the South Leinster region (Laois, Offaly, Kildare, Kilkenny, Carlow, Dublin, Wicklow and Wexford) was a decisive mandate.
The outcome is a disappointment for James Kehoe and his supporters. He has been heavily involved in the IFA since he joined the organisation in 1996 and in that time, he has held the position of Chairman in his local branch of Monageer from 2005 to 2009. He represented Wexford on the National Sheep Committee where he was also a member of the Management Committee. He was Vice Chairman of Wexford from 2015 – 2016 and went on to be elected Chairman of Wexford IFA in 2017.
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