Key facts
- Denis Donohoe resigned from the IHFA board.
- Donohoe cited a lack of transparency and board members not being fully informed as reasons for his resignation.
- He has concerns regarding breed promotion and the dismissal of member views.
- Donohoe has been a board member for five years, representing the Laois/Offaly club.
- Tensions have existed within the association regarding a proposed nucleus herd and IVF breeding service project.
Denis Donohoe, a board member of the Irish Holstein Friesian Association (IHFA) for five years, has announced his resignation. He stated that his decision stems from a perceived lack of transparency within the association and concerns that some board members are not fully informed about its operations. Donohoe, who represented the Laois/Offaly club, expressed his unhappiness with his inability to continue fulfilling his duties.
Donohoe highlighted specific concerns regarding the breed society, including a desire for more promotion of pedigree bulls over SRM bulls and issues with traits such as short teats, rump feet, and legs, which he believes require engagement with stakeholders. He feels that the key objective of helping members progress their herds is not being adequately addressed and that the views of members and the process of democracy have been dismissed.
These resignations follow a period of tension within the IHFA over the past year. In 2025, members raised significant concerns about a proposed project involving the development of a nucleus herd and an IVF breeding service, intended to increase genetic gain. This led to a group of 'concerned members' gathering and sending over 100 letters, including individual herd numbers, to the IHFA, requesting an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) late last year. Subsequent reports indicated that concerned members claimed the IHFA was undermining transparency, while other members demanded transparency regarding the GenÉireann project. An EGM eventually gave the board approval to evaluate the GenÉireann initiative.