Tipp farmer shakes his way to a world record
And it was not the only record to be set yesterday. The event was attended by more than 75,000 people the biggest ever one day attendance. Brendan Morrissey, a Macra na Feirme member from Cashel Road, Fethard, pressed the flesh at an average rate of 1,771 shakes an hour to claim a place in the Guinness Book of Records.
"I'm delighted with the response of the public. It's marvellous," he said, as he clocked up a massive 14,169 handshakes over eight hours to create the record outside the Macra stand.
European Parliament President Pat Cox was the last person to shake the Tipperary man's before the 6 o'clock deadline.
Macra president Thomas Honner and chief executive Damian McDonald were also on hand to congratulate him.
Brendan's main aim was to raise funds for the South Tipperary and Meath branches of The Alzheimer Society of Ireland.
Enfield and Fethard Macra and the Meath and South Tipperary branches of the Alzheimer Society provided stewarding and fund-raising back up.
Brendan said the inspiration for his world record attempt stemmed from his admiration of the invaluable work being done by the Alzheimer Society.
"It is very symbolic that this record attempt is for handshaking as Macra na Feirme is a young people's organisation."
Glanbia, meanwhile, honoured farmer members of the Kilkenny All-Ireland senior hurling winning squad on its stand.
Noel Hickey, Richie Muillally, Walter Bourke and John Maher, who are suppliers of the food group, were made presentations by Ger Mullally, chief executive of Glanbia Agribusiness.
Glanbia is the official sponsor of Kilkenny hurling teams and senior team captain DJ Carey was on the group's stand with the McCarthy Cup.
Michelle Kehoe, daughter of four times world champion, Martin Kehoe, won the Queen of the Plough competition for the third time.
