Eugene Drennan has been elected as the new President of the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA).

Council members on the IRHA confirmed the election of one of its most prominent members this week. He succeeds Cork’s Pat O’Donovan who became interim President following the election of Verona Murphy as a TD in Wexford.

O’Donovan was ratified as Deputy Vice President with Paul Jackman from Waterford becoming Vice President. The AGM was due to take in Wexford on March 27th and 28th but alternative arrangements had to be made on account of the current COVID-19 pandemic.

A native of Lisdoonvarna, Eugene is the founder and managing director of Spa Transport. He said he was honoured with the “fulsome support” received when allowing his name go forward for the post. “I never expected or predicted that I would be in this position and yet circumstances have been such that this has transpired. I wish to thank fellow members and drivers for their work at this time,” he stated.

“Myself and the members of the management team really appreciate the enormous effort and work ethic of the hauliers and all their drivers and what they are doing on behalf of Ireland. I wish you all good health and look forward to meeting at the earliest allowed opportunity to assess the overall situation for transport and plan a way forward for our industry and our organisation. Ireland will be different post-COVID-19,” the Ennis resident added.

Drennan has been described by IRHA members as a “leading light in the road haulage industry”. He has been one of the association most prominent members. Eugene served as the campaign manager of former TD, James Breen (IND) and has been involved on committee level with Club Clare. He also spearheads the annual Truck Run 4 Katie fundraiser in memory of his daughter Katie who died after a lifelong battle with cystic fibrosis in 2015, his late wife Linda was heavily involved in the promotion of the event.

Related News

ennis courthouse tent 24-02-21 4
Man accused of €2m drug bust in Kilmihil tells court he was told consignment was 'car parts'
thalassa lahinch seapark 2
Clare businessman applies to demolish €1m Lahinch home and build one double in size
Screenshot
Clare influencer on track to join Beast Games
michael lorigan 1
Michael Lorigan 'endured an undeserved, senseless and tragic death' as widow recalls how couple's 39th wedding anniversary day turned to tragedy
Latest News
WhatsApp Image 2026-05-13 at 22.48
Magic in Limerick as Clare U20s crowned Munster champions after nail-biting shootout
Screenshot
Clare influencer on track to join Beast Games
michael lorigan 1
Michael Lorigan 'endured an undeserved, senseless and tragic death' as widow recalls how couple's 39th wedding anniversary day turned to tragedy
clare gaa masters 1
Clare Masters begin new campaign
clare vs waterford u20 25-03-26 joe casey 1
Casey & Moylan chief injury concerns for Clare U20s ahead of Munster final
Premium
'We've shown character now we want silverware' - Clare U20s out for glory
Big win for Clarecastle to keep post office in the village
'It's knockout now' - Madden disappointed as Clare fall flat in Tailteann opener
Three-way tie at top of Cusack Cup amid big confusion over Kilmurry Ibrickane & Éire Óg result
Mills only unbeaten side in Clare Cup & Éire Óg pick up first win of 2026

Annual Subscription!

The Clare Echo annual subscription for just €69.99 a year. 

Prefer to pay monthly? Click the monthly option and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. 

Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.