Mayo man awarded the Plunkett Award for Co-operative Endeavour
From left: ICOS president Edward Carr, Pádraig Gibbons, and chief executive TJ Flanagan. Picture Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography
Pádraig Gibbons from Westport, Co Mayo, was awarded the Plunkett Award for Co-operative Endeavour.
The award is the highest national honour presented by the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS). Mr Gibbons was presented with the award for being one of the most influential and respected figures in the Irish co-operative movement over the past three decades.
Mr Gibbons received the award at a ceremony in Plunkett House in Dublin, attended by the president and board of ICOS and colleagues from Aurivo co-operative.
The award is named after Sir Horace Plunkett, founder of the Irish co-operative movement in 1889. The award citation recognises Mr Gibbons for his "selfless dedication, visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the co-operative cause".
On receiving the award, Mr Gibbons said: “I have always believed in the power of co-operation to deliver real, meaningful change. Whether it was strengthening our business or representing farmers at national and European level, my aim is always to ensure that the people who produce our food could rely on strong, modern, well-run co-operatives that put their interests first.
"I have been privileged to work with outstanding people who share the same values. This award is a recognition of all of them too. The co-operative tradition we have inherited is one of Ireland’s greatest strengths, and it is our duty to pass it on stronger than we found it.”
Mr Gibbons was nominated for the award by Aurivo Co-operative. He had contributed 32 years of voluntary service to the co-operative sector, including 28 years on the board of NCF / Connacht Gold / Aurivo, serving 12 years as chairman.
He also served as president of ICOS from 2005 to 2007, becoming the first person from the West of Ireland to hold the role.
Mr Gibbons was considered instrumental in major structural developments, including the merger of Kiltoghert Co-op and North Connacht Farmers Co-op in 2000, and their transformation into Connacht Gold, subsequently becoming today’s Aurivo, including the acquisition in 2012 of Donegal Creameries. Today, Aurivo Co-operative supports more than 2,000 farm families in the west of Ireland.
Congratulating Mr Gibbons, ICOS president, Edward Carr said: “Pádraig has been a transformative leader, whose vision, integrity and commitment have strengthened both Aurivo and the wider co-operative sector. His lifelong dedication marks the very best of the co-operative tradition, and I warmly congratulate him for his immense contribution and achievements.”
