IFA role for Ballina native

IFA’s new Dairy Executive Aine O’Connell has taken up her new role. Aine has previously worked at Arrabawn in farm advisory and with ICMSA. 
In 2015, Aine was awarded a PhD for her research in milk quality undertaken at Teagasc Moorepark in conjunction with the University of Wisconsin. A native of Ballina, Co Tipperary, Aine lives on a dairy farm with her husband Vincent in Claremorris, Co Mayo. 

IFA Director General Damian McDonald welcomed Aine to IFA. “Aine is passionate about the dairy sector and has a strong track record in her academic and employment career to date,” he said. 
IFA President Tim Cullinan added: “We’re delighted to have somebody of Aine’s calibre on board. Dairy farmers have invested hugely in recent years. It is crucial they are supported by the industry and the Government.” 
The Ballina native said she looked forward to working with the IFA National Dairy Committee and Chairman Tom Phelan and the National Liquid Milk Committee and its Chairman Keith O’Boyle. 
“There are many challenges facing our dairy farmers and I want to ensure their issues are at the centre of dairy policy discussions. 
“As primary producers, it’s imperative that dairy farmers get a fair return for their work and investment,” said the Ballina native.