Rural award a tribute to Paddy Fitzgerald
Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan will be the guest of honour, as the annual Paddy Fitzgerald Memorial Award for rural community effort is presented.
Each of the nine IFA regions in Munster has nominated a candidate for the award. West Cork will be represented by Dan Joe O’Donovan — like Paddy Fitzgerald, a former Munster IFA vice-president. Former IFA Grain Committee chairman John O’Mahony will represent Waterford. Paddy Ryan, the long serving secretary of Cappamore Agricultural Show, will represent Co Limerick. Other finalists include Peter Thompson, Cork Central; Jim Bolton, Clare; Dan Lynch, Kerry; Louis Kennedy, Tipperary North; and Timmy O’Donoghue, Tipperary South. A candidate representing North Cork has yet to be confirmed. The winner will receive €1,000 and a specially sculpted medal. Awards will also be made to the other eight candidates.
