Retiring Teagasc adviser praises sheep farmers

A FARM adviser who has devoted a lifetime to working with farmers in the county was glowing in his tributes to the talent and co-operation of sheep producers he worked with when they honoured him on his retirement.

Limerick-based Teagasc adviser Paddy O’Hanlon was presented with a token of the appreciation of Limerick sheep farmers for his service at a meeting of the Limerick County IFA Executive.

The presentation was made by Derek Deane, outgoing chairman IFA National Livestock Committee to Paddy and his wife, Christine.

Working with producers in the county, he founded the Sheep Producer Group which was one of the most successful in the country until the closure of the local processing plant at Limerick.

He was also actively involved in the lamb monitoring scheme.

Mary Ita Keane, former chairperson of the County Cheep Committee, in congratulating Paddy O’Hanlon on his retirement said that IFA owed a debt of gratitude to Paddy for all the work he had done for the sheep committee through the years.

“His advice was always available and appreciated, at any hour of the day or night, and he made a big contribution to sheep farming and lamb production in Limerick over the years,” she said.

John O’Shea, also former Sheep Committee chairman, described him as “a great man for sound advice who was always tip-top at his job” and gave a great service to the farmers of the county.