Con, from Glown, near Upperchurch, was hugely involved in extending the disadvantaged areas outside the original 12 counties. His work in the community included raising funds to build 11 houses which are now paid for and owned by the community. Having left school at 13, he continued to educate himself all through life.

Having retired from full-time farming, he worked as a FÁS supervisor and as a rural recreation officer well into his 70s, promoting hill walking in the Sliabh Phelim’s. Now aged 79, he is still heavily involved in many community organisations including the St Vincent de Paul.

In a rousing speech he paid tribute to Mary, his wife of 52 years, and said he would have been lost without her.

Some scribes said that IFA was finished but it’s a pity the same scribes aren’t here tonight to see the enthusiasm of IFA

Referring to the recent controversies in the IFA, he said it was a sad time for people of his generation. “Some scribes said that IFA was finished but it’s a pity the same scribes aren’t here tonight to see the enthusiasm of IFA. IFA is not finished and I believe it will go from strength to strength.”

Outstanding work

The awards, which were attended by 230 people from across Munster, have been running for 23 years. They recognise voluntary members of the IFA for their outstanding work for the association, fellow farmers and communities.

The attendance included IFA president Joe Healy and his wife Margaret as well as Fiona Muldoon, chief executive of FBD.

In her keynote speech, Muldoon said all in FBD owes “a debt of gratitude to those early volunteers who got us off the ground. With the work of FBD Trust, we aim to continue the tradition of looking out for the general good in Irish rural and agricultural life.”

In his remarks, Joe Healy said it was appropriate to be celebrating volunteers in the IFA in the same week that saw the beginning of the nine-day march to Dublin and the farmer rights campaign 50 years ago

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Remembering the 217-mile farmer march