North Cork remembers its IFA stalwarts

STALWARTS of the Irish Farmers’ Association were remembered, when the North Cork executive celebrated the golden jubilee of the foundation of the National Farmers Association.

Tributes were paid to the late Paddy Healy, Ballyviniter, Mallow, a former IFA vice-president for Munster, and the late Jack Lynch, Kellegrohane, Mallow, a past chairman of the North Cork Executive.

Geraldine Fitzpatrick accepted a presentation on behalf of the family of her father, Paddy Healy, who died a few years ago, while Kathleen Lynch, widow of Jack Lynch, who died after taking part in a protest in Carlow earlier this year against the planned closure of the local sugar factory, also accepted a presentation from IFA.

IFA president John Dillon, paid tribute to both men for their contributions to the growth and development of IFA in North Cork and throughout the country, and said their loyalty to the Association will always be remembered.

There was a presentation also to Michael Howell, at the dinner-dance in Springfort Hall, Mallow. He took part in the celebrated farmers rights march to Dublin in 1966, led by NFA president Rickard Deasy, whose son, Ruairi, current IFA deputy president, was a speaker at the Mallow event.

North Cork IFA chairman Sean O’Leary welcomed more than 300 guests, including former presidents Donal Cashman, Alan Gillis and John Donnelly; general secretary Michael Berkery; national treasurer Padraig Walshe; and vice president for Munster, Donal Kelly.