Moate man 'honoured' to be new CEO of Irish Rural LinkMoate native Briain Smyth has been appointed as the new chief executive of Irish Rural Link, succeeding Seamus Boland who served in the role for more than two decades. Irish Rural Link is based on the Clara Road in Moate and works to support and advocate for communities in rural areas. Irish Rural Link pointed out that Mr Smyth was "rooted in the farming and rural community of Westmeath" and that he lives in the Moate area with his spouse. "The conversation about rural Ireland's future must be bolder, and Irish Rural Link intends to lead it. Irish Rural Link will be an unambiguous voice for that partnership, and I look forward to leading that work," he concluded.

Source: Irish Independent April 10, 2026 14:26 UTC