“YES, as I said during the AGM that I don’t want this to be a long goodbye but I announced it a year out just to give the board a chance to get the next secretary in place,” said Michael Hughes, confirming that he will step down from his position as ISA national secretary next year.

“I have had a year to think about it and as I said in my report earlier I will have completed 59 years work without a break before I retire. It is a huge job for someone who is not familiar with it, until you get into it, but I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I have made some of the finest friends, from Bantry to Inishowen and from Ballymoney to Bannow & Rathangan. I don’t think there’s a town in Ireland that I wouldn’t know someone in and that’s all because of the shows.

“The ISA members are the salt of the earth, they are people that are just interested in doing something for the good of their community and people like that are a dying breed,” continued Hughes, who has also served as the ISA chairman.

“It was a great turnout at the AGM, we had 86 in attendance, while a busload of family members went to Bunratty Castle while the AGM took place. The finances were A1 and the accounts will show a small surplus.

“Pat [Corbet] did really well in his two years as chairman. He took great pride in his role and was very effective, he went to a lot of shows. I always found Pat a thorough gentleman, as is David Sheehan and I wish him every success as president.”

FUNDING

He also revealed that a delegation from the board had met last week with Michael Ring, Minister for Rural & Community Affairs to discuss possible funding for agricultural shows.

“The meeting went well, it was very constructive. I’ve known Michael Ring for a long time and he’s a man that if he can do something for you, he will. His heart and soul is in rural life.”