Farmers' campaigner dies at 69

Joe Rea, former president of the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA), died on Saturday after a short illness.

Mr Rea (69) from Cahir, Co Tipperary, was a leading figure in farming politics in the 1980s and held the presidency of the IFA between 1984 and 1988.

He signed the Programme for National Recovery with the then taoiseach, Charles Haughey, in 1987, 21 years after farmers were locked out of Government Buildings.

Mr Rea first became known as a farming activist in the 1960s through his involvement with Macra na Feirme, the young farmers' organisation. At the age of 25, he was elected president. He focused on broadening the role of Macra na Feirme beyond that of a social and educational organisation. Highlighting economic issues, he campaigned for young farmers to have a greater say in co-operatives.

He was the first Macra na Feirme president to become leader of the IFA and will be remembered as an outspoken and often controversial leader.

He was a columnist in the Irish Farmers' Journal for many years and frequently generated controversy with his comments.

IFA president Pádraig Walshe paid tribute to Mr Rea yesterday, saying he was "a talented and determined representative. Joe Rea will be sadly missed by the farming community." He is survived by his wife Margaret and three children, Michael, Martin and Trina.

The removal to St Kieran's Church, Ballylooby, in Cahir, will be at 2pm tomorrow.