HORSE Sport Ireland chief executive Damian McDonald will be announced as the director general of the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) at the Irish Farm Centre this morning (Wednesday).

McDonald previously worked in both the IFA and the young farmer organisation Macra na Feirme, where he served as chief executive from 2001 to 2007.

He took up his current role in Horse Sport Ireland in 2007 and his departure comes at a watershed period for the national governing body of equestrian sport as it is undergoing a review by Indecon.

HSI Chairman Pat Wall extended his congratulations to McDonald today, saying: “Damian is a very capable individual and our loss is the IFA’s gain. He will do a great job for them and I wish him the very best of luck in the next chapter of his career. We have him match fit!”

McDonald’s name was first associated with the IFA top job 12 months ago, when Pat Smith resigned from the position of general secretary amid controversy over high pay scales.

According to our sister paper the Irish Farmers Journal, a shortlist of five people was drawn up which included McDonald as well as Professor Gerry Boyle of Teagasc, James Brady from Rosderra Meats, an internal IFA candidate believed to be acting general secretary Bryan Barry and a fifth, unnamed candidate.

The final interview took place last Friday and the IFA will make the official announcement at a meeting of the IFA’s decision-making body, the executive council, which is taking place in the Farm Centre this morning.

The role of director general is new to the IFA. Former IFA economist Con Lucey recommended, as part of his review in the wake of the pay controversies, splitting the roles previously held by general secretary.

McDonald will take up his role with the IFA in the New Year and his salary will be €185,350, plus a contribution of 15% of the salary (€27,750) towards his pension.

Meanwhile, the board of Horse Sport Ireland will now begin the process of appointing a new CEO and secretary general.