Lifetime achievement award for John O'Sullivan at Athlone hall of fame awards
Almost 400 guests attended the 22nd staging of the FBD National Hall of Fame Awards in the Sheraton Hotel, Athlone recently.
What started out as a small little acknowledgement in 2003 for nine gentlemen in the bovine industry in Ireland who had given outstanding service dedication and commitment for the betterment of their particular breed has now grown into one of the top agri-events in the country.
Each breed society nominates a person or persons who has given outstanding service as a breeder, adjudicator or an administrator, to receive the coveted FBD National Hall of Fame Award.
It was very gratifying for the organisers Michael and Oliver Flanagan of the Moydrum Castle Pedigree Herds, Athlone, to see representatives from ten bovine breeds, four equine and ten ovine breeds celebrating on the night, with their 23 nominees.
In recent years the organisers introduced two new categories: the FBD National Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award, which acknowledges persons who by their aspirations, imagination and innovations, have succeeded in today’s very competitive business world, creating many employment opportunities and thereby making a significant contribution to the Irish economy.
This year’s award went to local businessman John O’Sullivan, Chairman of the Hodson Bay Group who employs in excess of 850 people and has massive plans for future expansion.
The FBD National Hall of Fame Farmers Oscar Award for 2026 went to Dr Dan Ryan, Fermoy, Co. Cork, for his innovative technology in developing “ScanInsights” which combines decades of hands-on bovine reproductive experience with cutting-edge ultrasound technology and is manufactured and developed in Ireland for the benefit of the farming community worldwide.
Michael Flanagan CEO thanked FBD, Herdwatch, Kepak, Horsesport Ireland, Cormac Tagging, and Certified Irish Angus Producer Group for their continued support and generous sponsorship and looks forward to Sunday May 2, 2027, when the 23rd awards ceremony will be held.