Ballydaly farmer Dan earns top award

A CHAMPION of volunteerism, working unselfishly to better the life of Duhallow farmers has earned Ballydaly’s Dan O’Riordan a Cork Central IFA Award that merited acknowledgement at a gala provincial ceremony.

Each of the IFA County Executives in Munster has put forward a nominee for the awards night in Adare with EU Commissioner Phil Hogan as guest speaker for the 20th anniversary of the Paddy Fitzgerald Memorial Awards.

Dan O’Riordan is a worthy recipient, the cornerstone of the IFA’s work is the willingness of farmers to give of their time in representing their fellow farmers. The Ballydaly native fits the bill here as a long-serving and hugely respected officer of Duhallow and Cork Central IFA.

Very active in community life, Dan is current Secretary to Millstreet Vintage Club, his recognition rewarded for his untiring commitment to voluntary community work and to farming organisations at local, regional and county level.

EU Commissioner Phil Hogan said it was an honour to attend the awards, established by IFA members in Limerick in honour of the late Paddy Fitzgerald, who served as Munster Vice-President and was also a founding member of FBD, which is marking 50 years in existence this year.

“Travelling throughout Europe in my role as Agriculture Commissioner, I am struck by the fact that in every rural region of every EU member state, farmers are at the heart of volunteerism and community life. Paddy Fitzgerald’s spirit lives on in communities across Ireland, and indeed across the EU, and the nine nominees can be very proud of their immense contribution to rural life,” he said.

IFA President Joe Healy added the Paddy Fitzgerald Awards represent the spirit of volunteerism and the selfless dedication of people such as Dan O’Riordan to the betterment of their communities.

“The cornerstone of IFA’s work is the willingness of farmers to give of their time in representing their fellow farmers. It is only fitting that this should be recognised and I would like to thank FBD for their support for this prestigious event”, he said.

Receiving his award at the 2018 Paddy Fitzgerald Awards is Dan O’Riordan from Millstreet who was the Cork Central IFA representative. Left to right; Fiona Muldoon, CEO FBD Insurance, IFA President Joe Healy, Dan O’Riordan {Recipient}, EU Commissioner Phil Hogan, Cork Central IFA County Chairman Harold Kingston, Martin Stapleton, IFA Farm Business Chairman, Jeff Bray, FBD.