Voice of the Ploughing and former Tipperary TD Carrie Acheson has passed away

The death has occurred of Carrie Acheson, the former Fianna Fáil TD for South Tipperary who was known countrywide as the Voice of the National Ploughing Championships.

Mrs Acheson, nee Barlow, worked as a company director in the family business, Barlo farm machinery, before becoming involved in politics.

She was also actively involved on the committee of Clonmel Show, serving as its president, and at the National Ploughing Championships, where she looked after the public address becoming known as the Voice of the Ploughing. 

Tánaiste and Uachtarán Fhianna Fáil, Micheál Martin, has said he is very saddened to learn of the death of the former party councillor and TD.  

"A former Mayor of Clonmel, Carrie had many interests. She was actively involved on the committee of Clonmel Show, serving as its president, and at the National Ploughing Championships, where she looked after the public address for over 30 years. 

"She continued to play an active role in her community after her retirement from public life. Hers was an infectious and warm personality.      

“On my own behalf, and on behalf of the Fianna Fáil organisation, I offer my deepest sympathy to Carrie’s family, her son Brian, her sister, former senator Trás Honan, brother Aidan and the wider Acheson family," said Mr Martin.  

Mrs Acheson was elected to South Tipperary County Council in 1974 and was a member until 1981.

She was elected to Dáil Éireann for the Tipperary South constituency at the 1981 general election, but lost her seat at the following February 1982 election. She served as Mayor of Clonmel in 1980.

Mrs Acheson was 88. She was predeceased by her husband Hugh and is survived by her son Brian and family, including her brother Aidan, and to whom sincere sympathy is extended.