Aims of first co-op organisers ‘still relevant today’

THE ideals of those who founded the country’s co-ops are still relevant today as the dairy industry faces major challenges.

Speakers made the claim when a plaque commemorating Robert A Anderson, who spent over 40 years promoting co-operation among the rural communities of Ireland, was unveiled at Mount Corbett House, Churchtown, Co Cork.

Mr Anderson was born in 1860 at Mount Corbett, now the home of racehorse trainer Jim Culloty and his wife Susie, and he was chosen by Horace Plunkett in 1889 to become Ireland’s first co-op organiser.