Con Lucey – R.I.P

It is with great sadness that the Institute of International and European Affairs learns of the death of former Irish Farmers’ Association Chief Economist and member of the IIEA UK Working Group, Con Lucey.

Con played a hugely significant role in the evolution of Irish agricultural policy and farming over many years, during which time he was also an active and influential member of the IIEA’s UK Working Group. The Institute is deeply indebted to Con and his prolific output as part of this group, writing extensively on Brexit, agricultural matters, and the impact on Ireland.

Chair of the IIEA UK Working Group, Dáithí O'Ceallaigh said “Con Lucey made a very valuable contribution to the work of the Institute, of which he was a supporter from the beginning. He was a specialist on agriculture and produced much important commentary on the effects of Brexit on agriculture and on food production. He was a man of great courage and integrity and will be sorely missed”.

Former IIEA Director-General, Tom Arnold, said “Con Lucey's death is deeply regretted by his many friends in the IIEA. Con had close connections with the IIEA from its earliest days. He represented the IFA, a founding member of the Institute, and worked closely with Brendan Halligan in developing a high quality IIEA work programme. 

Following his retirement from IFA in 2009, Con's engagement with the IIEA became more substantial and was very important to him. As for many others, Brexit was a great disappointment for Con, conscious as he was of the potential negative impact for Irish agriculture. He produced a series of outstanding papers on Brexit and its implications which were published by the IIEA: they represented the best available analysis of the topics discussed within the public realm.  He enjoyed being a member of the IIEA's UK Group and made a valuable contribution to the Group's discussions.

Con passed away on Thursday, 25th August, following a short illness. The attendance at his funeral on Sunday, 28th August, in his beloved Co Clare, was a testament to the esteem in which he was held.   Many of the leading figures in Irish agriculture over the past 50 years attended as well as a wide range of friends from his home community and from across the country.

Con's many wonderful attributes were commented upon; his remarkable and unique service to the IFA and the wider farming community; his encouragement and mentoring of his younger colleagues; his integrity, decency and kindness.  He has left a remarkable legacy, one that is fully recognised by the many IIEA colleagues who had the privilege of working with him. May he rest in peace.”

Con Lucey graduated from University College Dublin with a degree in agricultural economics. In 1973, he joined the Irish Farmers’ Association’s economics division. Con served as the IFA's Chief Economist for over 35 years, working closely with ten IFA Presidents.