At the close of nominations on Tuesday, January 2, IFA national returning officer, Brian Rushe confirmed that the four valid nominations were Patrick McCormick from Monaghan, Rose Mary McDonagh from Galway, Pat O'Keeffe from North Cork, and Nigel Sweetnam from Cork Central. The election to succeed Martin Stapleton will take place at the association’s 69th annual general meeting (AGM) in the Irish Farm Centre on Tuesday, January 9. The position of national returning officer, which was established as part of the review of the organisation in 2023, was filled at the last meeting of the National Council in December. The chair of Louth IFA, John Carroll, was elected and he will take up the role at the AGM.