Rosemarie Smith (extreme right) with Alan Gillis, then IFa president, and President Mary Robinson.

Death of IFA figure, Rosemarie Smith

The funeral is taking place today of the former member of President Mary Robinson's Council of State, and promiment Irish Farmers Association figure, Rosemarie Smith, of Castletownmoor, Carlanstown.

Rosemarie played a vital role in the IFA at national level, and was national chairperson of the IFA Farm Family Committee from 1990 to 1994.  Following that she was unanimously elected as regional vice president for Ulster North Leinster area serving with newly elected president, John Donnelly. Rosemarie was also a member of the Higher Education Authority, Interegg and Co-operation North, Equality and Law Reform, Institute of European Affairs and appointed by the Coalition Government under John Bruton to the board of the NRA.  
In other roles, Rosemarie represented milk producers on the Avonmore Glanbia Council, and was on the Meath Development Board and the Agri-Trading Board.  Another high point was her appointment on the Council of State during the Mary Robinson presidency.

Rosemarie Smith was awarded honorary life membership in recognition of her outstanding work and achievement on behalf of the Irish Farmers Association, by the Meath Executive of IFA.

Predeceased by her husband Richard (Dick), she is survived by daughters Geraldine (Castletownmoor), Gladys (Kilmainham) and Sandra (Carnaross), sons Richard and Pat (Castletownmoor),  sister Fidelma O'Carroll (Malahide), brothers Fr Michael MacMahon (Alabama), Paddy MacMahon (Collinstown, Enfield), Seán MacMahon (Feagh, Moynalty), brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many friends.

Her funeral takes place at St Michael's Church, Staholmog, to the adjoining cemetery, today (Wednesday).