The Farm Tractor and Machinery Trade Association (FTMTA) has announced the appointment of Claire Daly as its new members relation officer. 

Claire Daly

Claire, a native of Timahoe, County Laois, grew up on a dairy and beef farm where her family milks approximately 120 British Friesian cows, keeping all stock to finishing; the Dalys also conduct their own contracting services. 

A first class honours graduate of ATU Galway (formerly GMIT) where she studied a degree in Rural Enterprise and Agribusiness, Claire has also worked in another family business, Laois Upholstery, which was established by her mother Margaret.  

With a strong interest in machinery (representing Massey Ferguson on International Women’s Day in 2021), Claire gained practical experience at Mountbellew Agricultural College in County Galway, which is linked to ATU. And for her degree dissertation, Claire wrote about the succession of Irish farms based on gender. 

“When I was younger, I was always looking up in awe to the men drawing in silage and now to be drawing in myself, alongside my family, brings me a great sense of achievement,” she said. 

“I have participated in tractor runs for charity and I’ve been the only female driver so I am very proud to be setting new standards for young girls interested in driving tractors.” 

An enthusiastic sportswoman, Claire has been a member of the Timahoe Senior Football panel for the past eight years and is captain of the St Lazarians Camogie club in Abbeyleix, which was established in 2019. She’s also an active member of Portlaoise Badminton Club.  

Since joining the FTMTA team on June 1st, Claire has, among other duties, been busy helping out with the successful staging of the Farm Machinery Show which took place on July 5th and 6th at the Punchestown Event Centre. 

In the coming weeks she will start visiting FTMTA members, which will give Claire the opportunity to develop a better understanding of their businesses and the issues that are important to members. 

Claire can be contacted on 045 409309; 087 7009080 or email her at claire.daly@ftmta.ie