Kilkenny’s John Hughes Steps Down as FCI Chair, Norman Egar Elected

BREAKING NEWS: John Hughes, the prominent leader of the Farm Contractors Ireland (FCI), has officially stepped down after a pivotal five-year term. The announcement was made earlier today at the FCI’s Annual General Meeting in Portlaoise, where Norman Egar from Brannockstown, Naas, Kildare, was elected as the new National Chair, effective January 2026.

Hughes, a second-generation farm contractor from Danville, Kilkenny, has been a vital figure in the organization, advocating for the interests of farm and forestry contractors across Ireland. His late father, Kevin Hughes, founded their family business in 1947, establishing a legacy in agricultural contracting that continues today.

Egar, who has served as FCI Vice-Chair for several years, is also deeply rooted in the agricultural sector, operating with his brother Mark under the banner of Garavald Ltd. Their family ties to Kilkenny strengthen their commitment to the region and its agricultural community. Egar’s election comes at a crucial time as FCI seeks to enhance contractor registration and training initiatives, which have become urgent priorities for the organization.

In his first statement as Chair, Egar emphasized the importance of “proper Contractor Registration” and pledged to work diligently with FCI Council members to establish a comprehensive registration process. “Training has become another priority for agricultural and forestry contractors, and at FCI we are giving this a huge effort in 2026,” he asserted.

Egar also highlighted FCI’s ongoing efforts to represent contractors effectively, both in Ireland and Europe, through their involvement with CEETTAR. “These are among the reasons that I have been associated with FCI since its foundation in 2012. There is much more work to be done,” he stated, stressing the need for collaboration among contractors to ensure sustainability in the sector.

The transition in leadership marks a significant moment for FCI, which has been a cornerstone for contractor representation in Ireland. As Egar takes the helm, the organization is poised to tackle challenges head-on, ensuring that the voices of agricultural and forestry contractors are heard and addressed.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and watch for Egar’s initiatives to reshape the future of agricultural contracting in Ireland.