Executive Board 2012 / 2013
Honourary president
Professor Jim Phelan BAgrSc, MAgrSc, PhD
Assoc. Prof. of Agribus. Ext & Rural Dev
College of Life Sciences,
School of Biology & Environmental Science
Agriculture & Food Science Centre
Belfield Dublin 4
Born County Laois Ireland, educated at St Mary's Knocbeg College and UCD. Worked in ACOT prior to Joining UCD in 1982.
Teaching areas include research methods and rural development. Served as Head of Department of Agribusiness and Rural Development from 1994 to 2003. Appointed Dean of Agricultural Sciences 2007. Keen interest in development in Africa, particularly Tanzania and have been involved on several missions in that country.
Vice presidents:
Michael Kenny, NUI Maynooth,
Lily Mulhall, UCD,
Mary O Shaughnessy, UCC,
Maureen Mescall UCG.
Hon. chair
John Moran BSc. Tuber. Co Offaly.
Hon. vice chair
Neville Armstrong,MSc. Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh.
Neville is currently Manager of Kesh Enterprise Co. Ltd, a social economy business in North Fermanagh working in enterprise development, tourism and rural childcare. He is a Masters Graduate in Rural Development from Queens University, Belfast and is currently researching rural crime in the border counties in preparation for doctorate. A former Vice Chairman of the Rural Community, Neville is married to Alison and has three children and lives on the family farm near Kesh.
Honorary Secretaries
Paddy Fitzpatrick BSc. Gathabawn, Co Kilkenny.
Jim McGuire Bailieboro. Co Cavan
Honorary Treasurer
Kathleen Grennan, BSc Rosemount, Co. Westmeath
Dermot Leavy B.Sc.(2006)
Profile P.R.O.
Nicholas Duff. B.Sc
Previously the voice of farming programmes on LMFM Radio. A strong commitment to rural development and associated issues. A strong Macra na Feirme activist.
Assistant P.R.O.
Aidan Cruise, Manor Kilbride, Blessington, Co Wicklow
