The death has occurred of the former IFA President Padraig Walshe.
A native of Laois, he was aged in his mid 60s.
IFA President Tim Cullinan said the farming community was in shock at the news that Padraig died suddenly yesterday .
On behalf of the farming community, he has extended condolences to Padraig's family and friends.
He described Padraig as "a passionate advocate for the development of the farming sector and always insisted that science was the way forward.
Through many campaigns at home and abroad, he was fearless in defending farmers.
He leaves a strong legacy of leadership of farmers, from his time as President of Macra na Feirme, to President of the IFA and also as the first Irish leader to head up the European group of farmers COPA".
In 2006, Padraig Walshe became the 12th President of the Irish Farmers Association and in 2009, he had the honour of being elected by farm leaders from across Europe as President of COPA.
He chaired Farmer Business Developments following his roles in IFA and he continued as a director of FBD until his untimely passing.
