Donal Cashman

Donal Cashman

A native of Coole, White’s Cross, Co. Cork, Donal returned home to commence farming after a year in Pallaskenry Agricultural College. In 1965, he won the National Farm Management competition in the “over 100-acre category”, while more recently winning the “Pharmacia & Upjohn All Ireland Quality Milk Award” in 1998. From 1965 to 1970 he served with Macra Na Feirme at branch, county and national level. In 1968 at the age of 30, Donal became a National Council member of NFA and went on to chair the inaugural meeting of the formation of IFA in 1971 and became the first Deputy President in 1972, he served as National President from 1980 to 1984. Donal was the founding father of IFAC in 1975 and served as Chairman of the Board from its establishment in 1978 to 2006.  In addition to his service to his fellow farmers through his involvement in cooperative societies and farming organisations, Donal also served the wider community through his involvement in a range of charitable organisations. Donal was a board member of the Irish Grassland Association and was President of the association from 1978-1979.