Former Tullamore Show secretary is new Irish Shows Association president
Freda Kinnarney ran massive Offaly event for more than 20 years
FORMER long serving Tullamore Show secretary Freda Kinnarney has been elected President of the Irish Shows Association (ISA).
The ISA election took place recently at the association's AGM, which took place at the Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh.
Offaly woman Freda is well known throughout the country for her hugely successful stewardship of the Tullamore Show and National Livestock Show for more than 20 years.
The Irish Shows Association is the official recognised body representing Irish agricultural shows on the island of Ireland. The Association has currently more that 135 member shows, which run throughout the summer and into the autumn each year.
A voluntary board governs the organisation, which ensures that the quality and standards of agricultural shows are at the highest optimal level.
“I am honoured and privileged to accept this role,” Freda confirmed as she accepted the chain of office from her predecessor Ray Brady, from Cavan.
“I realise that the role carries a lot of responsibility but I look forward to working with a great team on the board and very enthusiastic shows all around the country.”
Freda won a Lifetime Achievement Award at the prestigious National Hall of Fame Awards in 2022.
That accolade put her in illustrious company as previous recipients included Ray MacSharry, a European Commissioner for Agriculture and former Minister for Finance, Anna May McHugh, MD of NPA, Matt Dempsey of Irish Farmers Journal and Raymond Coyle, Tayto Park.