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Young Farmers' Clubs Of Ulster
We're Here For You
We have a small team based at our Headquarters office in Belfast.
This is the team that organises events and competitions and deal with memberships, press and finances.
Meet our YFCU HQ Team
Derek Lough (Chief Executive Officer)
Email: derek.lough@yfcu.org Mobile: 07355094350
Derek Lough has served as Chief Executive Officer of the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster (YFCU) since September 2024, bringing with him extensive experience in leadership, governance and the agri-rural sector. Derek previously held the role of Membership and Events Director at the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) from July 2013 to September 2024, where he played a key role in member engagement, commercial development and strategic growth. Prior to this, he was a Senior Partner at NFU Mutual’s Magherafelt office from 2006 to 2013, building strong relationships within the farming and rural community. Alongside his professional roles, Derek has been a board member of Rural Support since 2019, serving as Chairman from 2023 and a Board Member of the Mae Murray Foundation since February 2018, reflecting his strong commitment to supporting rural wellbeing and community development. Outside of work, Derek enjoys playing rugby and spending time with family and friends.
Kirsty Barr (Finance Manager)
Email: kirsty.barr@yfcu.org Mobile: 07562689956
Kirsty has been part of the YFCU team since 2012, and is our current Finance Manager at Headquarters, overseeing all financial correspondance, ensuring strong controls, accurate reporting, and long-term sustainability. She understands that finance can be daunting, and some members may feel hesitant to ask questions, which is exactly why she is there: to support and make finance approachable. Outside of work, Kirsty loves to travel, often heading off with no idea where she’s going until she arrives. At the end of a busy week to unwind, she enjoys hill walking, nothing is more relaxing than beautiful surroundings and company with the promise of a cuppa at the end of the trek. Her advice to YFCU members: get involved, as that’s how you truly benefit from everything YFC has to offer.
Roberta Simmons (Membership Development Manager)
Email: roberta.simmons@yfcu.org Mobile: 07355090923
Roberta joined the YFCU team as Membership Development Manager in February 2026, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a long-standing connection to the organisation. A former YFCU President (2015–2017), she has held a variety of roles at Club and County level and has represented YFCU on a number of external boards and working groups. In addition to her role with YFCU, Roberta is a Council Member of the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society, a part-time beef farmer, and an active brass band member, where she plays the cornet. Prior to joining the team, Roberta worked with the Ulster Farmers’ Union as a Membership Development Officer for eight years and before that, spent eightteen years as a Legal Secretary, supported by an NVQ in Business and Administration.
Heather McIlrath (Events & Marketing Manager)
Email: heather.mcilrath@yfcu.org Mobile: 07788146100
With over 15 years of experience in event management, communications, and more recently marketing, Heather leads the Events and Marketing team. She holds a degree in Hospitality Management, a Postgraduate Diploma in Event Management, and an Advanced Diploma in Management Practice. Heather has a deep-rooted focus on the agricultural industry, having previously worked for the YFCU and later spending 8 years leading events and developing marketing strategies at the Ulster Farmers' Union. Her wealth of experience makes her a perfect fit for her current role at YFCU. Outside of work, Heather works on the family’s beef and sheep farm. When time allows, she enjoys walking her dogs and believes that any time spent by the sea is never wasted.
Hayley Palmer (Assistant Events Manager)
Email: hayley.palmer@yfcu.org Mobile: 07771886533
Hayley joined the YFCU team as an Events Coordinator in April 2022 and was later promoted to Assistant Events Manager. She holds a first class honours degree in Leisure and Events Management and brings a wealth of knowledge to the role. Known for her exceptional attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills, Hayley is an integral part of the team. Her responsibilities include planning, delivering, and evaluating the organisation’s events and competitions calendar, as well as liaising with club officials, grassroots members, sponsors, and judges. Outside of work, Hayley enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as taking long beach walks with her German Shepherd, Bow.
Rachel Armstrong (Communications & Marketing Executive)
Email: rachel.armstrong@yfcu.org Mobile: -
Since joining the YFCU team in March 2024, Rachel has brought creativity, fresh ideas, and valuable experience to help shape the organisation’s online presence. With a degree in Marketing and a background in content creation and copywriting, she plays a key role in capturing and sharing the voices and perspectives of our members. Rachel is passionate about storytelling, shining a light on the real-life experiences of young people in rural communities, and celebrating both their achievements and the wider impact of our organisation across Northern Ireland. Outside of work, Rachel is a busy Mum and Wife who enjoys cooking and catching up with friends. She is also actively involved in her local community, volunteering as a Girl Guide leader and serving as PRO for her local rugby club.
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Ruth Morrow (Events & Marketing Executive)
Email: ruth.morrow@yfcu.org Mobile: 07562689959
Ruth joined the YFCU HQ team as a Marketing and Events Executive in January 2026. She graduated in July 2025 with a First Class Honours degree in Leisure and Events Management with Professional Practice, bringing fresh ideas and energy to the team. Ruth is passionate about agriculture and plays a key role in supporting the planning, promotion, and evaluation of events and marketing initiatives, while liaising with club officials, members, sponsors, and partners. Ruth is a highly active member of Lisnamurrican YFC and County Antrim YFC, and in her spare time enjoys farming with her partner, spending time with her family, friends, and most importantly her puppy Boe.
Sharon Allen (CEO, Events & Marketing Support)
Email: sharon.allen@yfcu.org Mobile: 07517276733
Sharon joined the YFCU HQ team as a Marketing, Events & CEO Support in January 2026. Sharon has a wealth of administrative experience; she has come to the organisation after working at UFU headquarters for the past 15 years in various admin roles and brings a wealth of knowledge to the team. Her responsibilities involve being the administrative support for the CEO, Events & Marketing Team. When not at work, Sharon loves to spend time with her family, travelling, going to the Theatre and supporting the Arts.
Ellie Brown (Membership & Funding Executive)
Email: ellie.brown@yfcu.org Mobile: -
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