Nine nominated for Paddy Fitzgerald Award for contribution to rural life

Nine finalists have been nominated for the Paddy Fitzgerald Memorial Award to be presented at Adare, Co Limerick, this Sunday night.

The award commemorates the National Farmers’ Association (NFA) founding member and former IFA Munster vice-president, Fitzgerald from Caherconlish, Co Limerick, who died in 1988.

It recognises outstanding contributions to farming and rural community life.

Three of this year’s finalists are from Cork — Martin Dorgan, Castlelyons, Martin O’Regan, Belgooly, and Pat O’Neill, Adrigole.

Tipperary has two on the short list, Ruaidhrí Deasy, Aglish, and Dermot Ryan, Curraheen. The other four Munster counties are represented by Paddy Ryan, Co Limerick, Michael Lynch, Co Clare, James Doyle, Co Kerry, and Alex Heskin, Co Waterford.