Fearless farmer who did Laois proud - Laois Government TDs pay tribute to Padraig Walshe

Laois Government TDs in Laois have joined in the tributes paid to the late Padraig Walshe.

Minister Seán Fleming and Charlie Flanagan TD were united in praise of the Durrow dairy farmer who has been involved in campaigning on farm issues for 50 years to his death on February 1.

Minister for State and the Department of Foreign Affairs, Seán Fleming said he was very sad to learn of the passing of the former IFA President. He said he had met Mr Walsh recent in Timahoe.

"He was a great president of the IFA. He worked tirelessly and was fearless in defending the rights of farmers.

"He was involved in Macra na Feirme from an early age and recently in my role as Minister for State in the Department of Finance with responsibility for insurance, I would have met with Padraig to discuss these issues in his capacity as a director of FBD...He did Laois proud," he said.

The Fianna Fáil TD extended sympathy to his wife Ella and their family at this very sad time.

'A fearless fighter for farmers' - Laois IFA pay tribute to Padraig Walshe

Fine Gael's Laois Offaly TD Charlie Flanagan also joined in the tribute and praise his contribution to Irish life.

“The sudden passing of Padraig Walshe has been greeted with shock in his local community. I offer my condolences to his wife Ella and his family.

"As a member of Dail Eireann, I want to acknowledge the fearless and robust campaigning and advocacy of Padraig Walshe over many decades, whether as a teenager in Macra na Feirme or as President of the IFA. Padraig always placed community rural and agriculture issues to the fore of his life," he said.

IN PICTURES: A Laois man at the pinnacle of Irish farming - the late IFA President Padraig Walshe

The deceased is survived by his wife Ella, and his children Julianne, Catherine, Elma and Pat.