Limerick farmer recognised nationally for lifelong contribution
A LIFELONG contribution to the Irish co-operative movement by Ted Hunt (Golden Vale Marts) has been recognised nationally with the awarding of the co-operative industry’s highest national honour.
The Plunkett Award for Co-operative Endeavour, named after Sir Horace Plunkett, founder of the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society, was awarded to Mr Hunt, a well-known farmer from Athea.
He received the honour at a special ceremony in the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society national headquarters (ICOS), the Plunkett House in Dublin. His family were in attendance.
The award marks Mr Hunt's lifetime contribution to the co-operative movement and to his local Golden Vale Mart Co-operative Society where he was first elected onto its committee in 1974, serving with distinction over the years.
ICOS represents co-operatives and organisations in Ireland – including the Irish dairy processing co-operatives and livestock marts - whose associated businesses have a combined turnover in the region of €16 billion, with some 175,000 individual members, employing 12,000 people in Ireland, and a further 24,000 people overseas.
In total, there are some 1,000 co-ops in Ireland.
Edward Carr, president of ICOS said: "Ted Hunt stands as a pivotal and influential figure within Golden Vale Marts, epitomising the finest qualities of personal commitment to co-operative principles – striving for better farming, better business and better living for everyone.”