Paddy Fitzgerald Award winner named
Fbd Chairman Pat And Liam Breeda Fbd President Simon Chair Trustees Michael The Chairman Cork North Fitzgerald Francie Horgan, Martin Berkery Herlihy, Trust Td, Coveney Paddy Chair O’keeffe, Of Gorman, Ifa Stapleton
Breeda Horgan from Liscarroll in north Cork has been named the overall winner of the 2024 Paddy Fitzgerald Awards.
Each of the nine IFA County Executives in Munster put forward a nominee for the Awards, which were held in Adare, Co Limerick, at the weekend.
Breeda Horgan joined Macra na Feirme in 1964 and became involved in IFA in the mid-1970s.
Through her work on the IFA Farm Family Committee, she was actively involved in the credit crisis of the early 1980s, which saw many farm families come under severe financial and mental health pressure from financial institutions.
She was foremost in tackling the issues of rapid interest rates and their effect on farm families. Breeda Horgan helped farm families with financial burdens and, in particular, fighting farm evictions.
She has been involved in many initiatives in her local community for decades.
IFA President Francie Gorman said the Paddy Fitzgerald Awards represent the spirit of volunteerism & the exemplary dedication of people in striving to improve their communities.
FBD Trust Chairman Michael Berkery said: “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”.
Chairman of the trustees Martin Stapleton 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.”
