Former Tullamore Show supremo honoured in Athlone

Former Secretary and Operations Manager of Tullamore Show, Freda Kinnarney, who is now retired, was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 18th National Hall of Fame Awards presentation and banquet in the Sheraton Hotel Athlone, on Sunday, May 1 last.

On the night a total of 21 nominees from the bovine, equine and ovine industries were inducted into the postponed 2020 National Hall of Fame, before an attendance of four hundred guests from all over Ireland.

Freda was recognised for her 28 years of service, dedication, and organisational skills for the benefit of the show-going public.

Adrian Keegan, Keegan Feeds, Athleague, Co Roscommon, received the 2020 Farmers Oscar Award in acknowledgement of his back-saving Innovation 'The Meal Riser', making meal feeding on the farm a much safer task to operate.

Guest of honour on the night was Minister Pippa Hackett, Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity, who congratulated the various nominees and presented them with their awards.

Michael Flanagan, whose idea it was to have the awards in 2003, said that people from the bovine, equine and ovine industries should be recognised and acknowledged for their dedication, commitment and the outstanding service they have given, for the betterment of their particular breed, while they are still with us, rather than writing glowing obituaries when they have passed away.

Michael, who acted as MC for the night, assisted by his son Oliver, said that the National Hall of Fame has grown year on year and the problem now is trying to accommodate the growing demand for tables.

He expressed his thanks to the main sponsor FBD Insurance for their ongoing support who are now the lead sponsor of the event. To the Kepak Group for sponsoring the ovine section and to the ABP Group, who have supplied and sponsored the certified Irish Angus Beef for the dinner over the years which was once again superb.

Michael Flanagan also acknowledged and thanked the certified Irish Angus Producer Group who have supported the occasion since its inception.

He also welcomed Aurivo on board, as an associate sponsor and the following nominee sponsors, Jimmy and Enda McGee, Corrib Oil, Paul Reynolds Commercials, Dermot Hughes Cars, Amlac Forklifts, Stuart Insurance, Midland Veterinary Hospital, George and Mary Ledwith, Fade Street Social Restaurant, Dublin, Michael Moore Car Sales, Roscommon Livestock Mart, Midland Stone Company, Rea Hynes Auctioneers, Arrabawn Co-op, Progressive Genetics, Quinns of Baltinglass, Dovea Genetics, Eurogene AI Services, Cormac Tagging, EasyFix Rubber Products, Univet Ltd and Chanelle Pharma.

A most enjoyable night was had by all and dancing went on to the small hours with the TR Dallas Band.