A New Chairperson has been elected of the Tullamore Show, following the AGM of the Tullamore Show & FBD National Livestock Show on Wednesday 15th January 2025. John Keena, a Suckler farmer from Ferbane, Co. Offaly was the unanimous choice of the meeting.
John has been a member of the Show Executive committee for several years now, and has been involved in several roles of responsibility, most recently Vice Chairman and Livestock intake at the event. John would be well known to many not only for Suckler Farming with an 80 Cow Suckler herd but in his early years as Ferbane Macra Chairman leading onto IFA Chairman of Ferbane and Offaly. John’s term as Offaly IFA chairman came as no surprise as his father was the first Offaly IFA Chairman in 1955. Hailing from Ferbane County Offaly he farms with his wife Breda, he has one Daughter Laura who is currently in Australia. John left school at 16 to help his parents with the running of the farm. GAA holds an important part in John’s household in which he holds Senior Football County Medal with Ferbane, also securing the Leinster club medal in 1986. John also extended his GAA skillset and hurled for Ferbane/Belmont GAA winning numerous medals.
John is looking forward to the challenge of being chairperson of the show and has no illusions about the workload involved.
On the night many reports were giving in relation to all activities that took place at the 2024 show. Our inspiring guest speaker Mrs Alice Doyle, Deputy President of the IFA addressed the members.
Alice started by congratulating all the sections within the show for their in-depth reports and excellent effort on the day. She reflected on her time as Secretary of Tullow Show. She spoke how important show is are all around the country and how they provide a platform where URBAN AND RURAL MEET AND COME TOGETHER. Alice spoke about VOLUNTEERISM and the number of Volunteers Tullamore show has it tremendous. She concluded by saying Tullamore Show has an EXCELLENT ATMOSPHERE AND IT IS A SHOW OF GREAT WELCOME. It is very forward thinking and moves with the times referencing our Young Handler Event hosted for the first time in 2024. She finished by stating Tullamore Show has a wonderful Future and she wished the incoming officer’s the very best of luck for 2025.
On the night new and younger members of the executive was elected, Joe Molloy will become vice chairman and Cathal Loughman, of Loughman Landscaping was elected as assistant secretary. Rodney Cox former chairman remains in his role as Treasurer and will be ably assisted by Tom Maher. Durrow Lady Brenda Kiernan will continue the role of Show PRO, she will be assisted by Stephen Connolly. With over 30 experienced executive members will exploring new possibilities and will enhance their Young Handler event for the coming year, exploring new breeds and extending the program of event
After the AGM newly elected chairman John Keena commented that “I am delighted and honoured to be elected as Chairman, and he is looking forward to seeing everyone on the 10th of August 2025 at the Butterfield Estate Blueball and he gave a special thank you to the site owners Anne Maire Butterfield and Stephen McQuade.”
