Laois farm expert lands key role with Ireland's farming advisor agency

John Paul Fenlon has been appointed to the Teagasc Authority for a five-year term by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD.

Mr Fenlon, from Ballickmoyler, is a Teagasc Farm Technician based in Oak Park, Carlow and will be the Teagasc staff representative on the Authority for the next five years.

The Chairman of Teagasc, Liam Herlihy welcomed the Laois man to the Authority and congratulated him on the appointment.

“John Paul brings a wealth of experience to the Authority as an experienced agricultural professional with over 20 years of experience working with Teagasc, beginning in 2001. I look forward to working closely with John Paul in the years ahead,” he said.

Mr Fenlon completed a Level 6 in Agriculture & Business in 2014.

Teasasc says that throughout his career, he has taken on many leadership roles and has been actively involved in both local and national agricultural organisations such as Macra and Laois County Ploughing Association. He received a Macra Gold Leadership Award and is also a National Farm Skills Winner in 2014.

Picured: Anthony Brennan, Shay Duggan, Henry Whiteford, JP Fenlon and Austin Armitage at the South Laois ploughing match in Ballacolla. Picture: Alf Harvey.

“He is co-chair of the Teagasc National Partnership Committee and has demonstrated strong leadership, teamwork, and committee involvement, particularly in the areas of farm operations, event management, and staff development. John Paul is committed to the up-skilling and education of Teagasc staff,” said a statement.

Ms Donnelly has stepped down from the Teagasc Authority having completed a 5 year term.

The Chairman of Teagasc thanked Martina for her contributions to the Authority’s deliberations.

“Martina provided excellent representation for the staff in Teagasc and made an invaluable contribution to the Teagasc Authority. I want to thank Martina for her commitment," said Mr Herlihy.

The 11 member Teagasc Authority  is appointed by the Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine and has representatives from the farming organisations, the food industry, the universities, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Teagasc staff.

It oversees the operation of Ireland's agriculture and food development body which provides research, advisory and training services to the agriculture and food industry and rural communities.

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