Big birthday for Irish Farmers Journal

The IFJ, which was originally established by Macra na Feirme, was then purchased and placed under a philanthropic trust structure by the late John Mooney. It has been a strong voice for Irish farming for over three-quarters of a century. It is an incredible success story. Led by an enlightened team under the editorship for many years of Paddy O’Keeffe and including such great journalists as Michael Dillon and Larry Sheedy, the weekly publication was, and remains, a constant defender of farming interests as well as a promoter of modern agricultural practices. Founded in 1948, its owner, the Agricultural Trust, has used its revenues from the IFJ to support Irish agricultural development and promotion in myriad ways over the years. The current editor, Jack Kennedy, is only the fifth person to hold that position. The first editor was Stephen Cullinane, who was also the founding general secretary of Macra na Feirme. He was followed by Paddy O’Keeffe, who held the role for 37 years. Matt Dempsey then took on the mantle, leading the publication into the 21st century. Jack Kennedy was preceded by Justin McCarthy, who retired from the editorship last year. We wish the IFJ continuing success.