Alice Doyle makes IFA history

By Dan Walsh

Alice Doyle from Ballyoughter, Camolin, has made history by becoming the first woman to be elected Deputy President of the IFA (Irish Farmers’ Association).

The result of the vote was announced at the election count centre at the Castleknock Hotel in Dublin, at 8pm last night (Tuesday) where it was announced that Doyle received 16,502 votes. She beat off competition from Galway dairy farmer, Pat Murphy who received a total of 12,968 votes.

Prior to her election, she held the position of chair of the IFA National Farm Family and Social Affairs Committee for the past two years.

Alice Doyle is a native of Co. Carlow, and has been farming in partnership with her husband, Tom on their beef and tillage farm near Gorey for over 30 years.

Outside of farming, Doyle was a principal in rural and urban schools throughout Carlow and at Tombrack, in Co. Wexford, a role she felt provided her with crucial skills for the role of IFA Deputy President.

Along with her involvement in IFA, Ms. Doyle is a former county chairperson, national secretary and member of agricultural affairs committee of Macra Na Feirme.

She also is a member of the board of Wexford Mental Health Association and has served as Secretary of Tullow Show Society.

The 17th President of the IFA was confirmed as suckler beef and sheep farmer from Co. Laois, Francie Gorman who beat rival Martin Stapleton – 16,699 votes to 13,210. Gorman who is from Ballinakill will take over as President of the IFA from Tim Cullinan in January, 2024.