Nonagenarian local inventor back at Tullamore Show with new gizmo

Local inventor Tony Bergin is still brain-storming and coming up with new ideas for the Tullamore Show's Inventions Section.

The retired dairy farmer returned to the 2023 edition of the show at the sprightly age of 93 with his multi-purpose walking aid invention.

Tony has been going to Tullamore for over 25 years and in that time has scooped numerous awards.

“It's amazing that since the first time I came to Tullamore the passion has never left me and I always look forward to coming back,” he said.

“The enjoyment it created for me was something else...if I get people relief that is my reward.”

Tony is from Cooleshall, just outside Roscrea in south Offaly and his farm is located where the three counties - Offaly, Tipperary and Laois – meet.

His entry this year is designed for people with reduced walking abilities.

The walking aid has two wheels on the front and two sliders on the back which allow it to move safely and steadily over any surface without the need for brakes.

The invention also has a seat which can be adapted into a shelf and there is also a smaller shelf.

The aid, which can be assembled quickly, has two rings that can be used as foot rests while sitting on a chair in the evening.

The foot rests can also be used to exercise knees and hips by pushing backwards and forwards with the user's feet.

Laois cow is cream of crop at Tullamore Show

Tony was among 50,000 to attend the big Offaly show on August 13.