I hear Thomas Ryan is leaving the IFA for pastures new after 15 years.

The IFA had withdrawn from social partnership following the introduction of the initial divisive nitrates regulations when Ryan became environment executive. The IFA has worked with the Department and Teagasc to ensure the regulations evolved significantly since.

Ryan was also programme director of the progressive Smart Farming initiative.

He’s now heading to Glanbia. Just don’t expect to see the Tipperary man in an Avonmore Kilkenny shirt anytime soon.