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Prominent member of the Church of Ireland publishes significant book on the history of Agriculture
Prominent member of the Church of Ireland publishes significant book on the history of Agriculture

A prominent member of the Church of Ireland in Clogher Diocese, Mr Sam Morrow, the Department of Agriculture’s former County Agricultural Executive Officer for Fermanagh and Principal of Enniskillen College of Agriculture, has written a very comprehensive history tracing the development of agriculture in County Fermanagh from the nineteenth century until the year 2000. The book, entitled ‘Farming in County Fermanagh – Development in the Twentieth Century’, is hard back and A4 in size and extends to 350 pages. It is illustrated with over 600 photographs, many in colour, covering the personalities involved and main aspects of developments in farming over the years.
Mr Morrow is a well known figure throughout the Diocese of Clogher, serving on number of committees including Diocesan Council, Diocesan Synod and General Synod. He has been a member of the Select Vestry of Enniskillen Cathedral Parish for 42 years, and has been Honorary Secretary of the Cathedral since 1989. He also represents the diocese on the Board of Governors of Portora Royal School, of which he is vice-chairman.
The book features the major changes that have taken place in farming in County Fermanagh over the past century. The work of the Fermanagh Farming Societies and the landlords in the nineteenth century, which laid the foundation for what was to follow in the next hundred years, is covered in the introductory chapters. The all-Ireland dimension of agricultural policies, prior to partition, are fully documented. The introduction of improvement schemes for livestock and crop production and the development and administration of advisory and educational services during the twentieth century are dealt with in detail.
The technological advances in relation to mechanisation, grassland, fodder conservation, drainage and marketing of produce together with environmental considerations transformed the approach to farming. Superimposed on these developments have been the challenges posed by two world wars, severe economic depression, some very difficult weather conditions and changes in Government policies. The response of the farmers in County Fermanagh to these advances and challenges over the years is contained within the thirty seven chapters of the book.
The book was launched at Enniskillen Campus, College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise on the evening of Monday 8th November by Mrs Michelle Gildernew MP MLA, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. Other politicians who spoke at the event were Mrs Arlene Foster MLA, Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Industry, and Mr Tom Elliott MLA leader of the Ulster Unionist Party and Chairman of the Committee of the First and Deputy First Minister at Stormont. The attendance of approximately 400 individuals from across the community, also included Bishop Michael Jackson, Bishop Brian Hannon, Monsignor Sean Cahill, Cllr Stephen Huggett, Chairman of Fermanagh District Council and Cllr Cyril Brownlee, Vice-Chairman of the Council. Mr Clarke Black, Chief Executive of the Ulster Farmers’ Union, praised the book and said it was not only of interest to those in County Fermanagh but anyone with an interest in the history of agriculture in Northern Ireland. Mr Gerry Burns MBE, former Chief Executive Officer of Fermanagh District Council, Ombudsman and Senior Pro Chancellor of the University of Ulster, also spoke at the launch and described the book as an ‘immensely authoritative work that will be recognised as a work of scholarship’.
Books are available through 'Women in Agriculture' Telephone 02866342996 or email info@womeninagriculture.com. They are also available from the Ulster Farmers' Mart, Lackaboy, Enniskillen.


Mrs Arlene Foster MLA, Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Industry; Mr Tom Elliott MLA, leader of the Ulster Unionist Party and Chairman of the Committee of the First and Deputy First Minister; Mr Clarke Black, Chief Executive of the Ulster Farmers’ Union; and Cllr Stephen Huggett, Chairman of Fermanagh District Council, in discussion with the author, Mr Sam Morrow OBE (standing).


Pictured standing: Professor Eric Long, DARD, Mr Gerry Burns MBE, former Chief Executive of Fermanagh District Council, Ombudsman and Senior Pro Chancellor of the University of Ulster, Mr Seamus McAlinney, Head of Enniskillen Campus CAFRE, Mr Clarke Black, Chief Executive of the Ulster Farmers' Union. Seated are Mrs Michelle Gildernew MP MLA, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Sam Morrow OBE, Author, and Mrs Marie Morrow.
Photo. Courtesy Raymond Humphreys, Impartial Reporter