Breeda honoured at Paddy Fitzgerald Awards in Limerick
Cork lady has helped to fight farmer evictions during her dedicated IFA service
BREEDA Horgan from Liscarroll in north Cork was named the overall winner of the Paddy Fitzgerald Awards 2024.
Each of the nine IFA County Executives in Munster put forward a nominee for the Awards, which were held in Adare last weekend. Limerick IFA was superbly represented by Glenrbohane's Morgan Murphy.
Deputy Simon Coveney, who has served as Tánaiste and has held a number of senior ministerial portfolios during his political career, was the guest speaker on the evening.
Breeda 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 tacking the issues of rapid interest rates and its effect on farm families. Breeda 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 and the exemplary dedication of people in striving to improve their communities.
“The cornerstone of IFA’s work is the willingness of farmers to give of their time in representing their fellow farmers. The Awards showcase the phenomenal work that the same people do in their own communities.”
FBD Trust chairman 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 CountyLimerick, 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”.
Oola man Martin Stapleton, who is the chairman 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.”