ICSA presidents Sean McNamara (serving for 2024) and Dermot Kelleher serving for 2023 after the presidential election in the Midlands Park Hotel Portlaoise. Photo: Denis Byrne

ICSA power sharing after tie in ballot

The two candidates for ICSA president, Dermot Kelleher and Sean McNamara, have agreed to a power sharing agreement for the next two years following a tie at last night’s election.

It has been agreed that Dermot Kelleher will remain in situ as president for 2023 and Sean McNamara will take up the office of president for 2024. Mr McNamara will also assume a position on ICSA management committee in the new year.

The two candidates agreed to work together in the best interest of farmers and the ICSA. They are meeting Minister McConalogue this morning (Thursday December 15) to discuss the Food Vision Strategy and other issues.

Sean McNamara is a sheep, suckler, and beef farmer, farming at Lismacaffrey. He is the current ICSA national Sheep chair.

He is married to Eleanor, and they have four children ranging in ages from 19 to 25 years old, three of whom are active in the farming business.

Sean also has a cattle and sheep haulage business and is, along with his son, involved in buying stock for other farmer clients and they also have an involvement in the live export of sheep and cattle.