The nominees for the Paddy Fitzgerald Awards 2024 have been announced.

Each of the nine Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) county executives in Munster has put forward a nominee for the awards, which will take place on Sunday, October 27 in Adare in Co. Limerick.

Simon Coveney, who has served as Tánaiste and has held a number of ministerial portfolios during his political career, will be the guest speaker on the evening.

IFA Munster regional chair Conor O’Leary said the Paddy Fitzgerald Awards represent the spirit of volunteerism and the exemplary dedication of people in striving to improve their communities.

“Each of the nine nominees has been chosen by their county executive and I want to wish all of them well on the night,” he said.

“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.”

FBD Trust chair, Michael Berkery said: “In FBD, we appreciate the value of community spirit and the important role played by volunteers up and down the country.

“Paddy Fitzgerald was a shining example of this through his work with Macra in Co. Limerick, in the NFA and Cork Marts IMP.

“FBD is delighted to support this award, and we hope to see the spirit of Paddy Fitzgerald live on for many years to come.”

Martin Stapleton, who is the chair of the Trustees, said the Paddy Fitzgerald Awards were an opportunity to celebrate those who put themselves forward on behalf of their neighbours and their communities.

“Every rural community can point to achievements that would not be possible without people stepping up to make it a better place. The Paddy Fitzgerald Awards celebrate those who can say they left their mark,” he said.

The nominees are:

  • Clare – Andrew Dundas;
  • Cork Central – Mary Bugler;
  • Cork North – Breeda Horgan;
  • Cork West – John Joe Kelleher;
  • Kerry – John Stack;
  • Limerick – Morgan Murphy;
  • Tipperary North – Pat Hogan;
  • Tipperary South – Matt Quinlan;
  • Waterford – Harry Grey.

Paddy Fitzgerald Awards

In 1998, a group of farmers in Co. Limerick established the Paddy Fitzgerald Memorial Awards to remember the late Paddy Fitzgerald, a dairy and livestock farmer who, for 40 years, worked tirelessly for farmers and his community in Limerick and across Munster.

Paddy was Munster vice-president of IFA, a founder member of FBD, vice-chairman of Cork Marts and a board member of Golden Vale Marts.

The awards aim to recognise members that are following in the footsteps of Paddy Fitzgerald and his support for the farming community.

The IFA has said that these people are the “unsung heroes of rural Ireland”. They are the people who built community halls; organised group water schemes; set up sports clubs; and laid the foundation for many successful co-ops.