Pioneering dairy farmer John Walsh of Mainstown, Carrick-on-Suir, Co Tipperary, who died in May, aged 55, was a life-long member of the Iverk Show, the local Tirlán Cooperative, Master and Chairperson of the Kilmoganny Hunt and point-to-point committees, in addition to many other local interests.

John was destined to be a farmer. After school in Carrick he attended agricultural college in Kildtalton close to home. At an early age he had joined Macra na Feirme, the young farmers’ group.

It shaped his future in many ways. Macra brought him together with like-minded people who were keen to learn about new developments in farming practices.

In 2001, his farming enterprise expanded when John moved his dairy enterprise to Mainstown, getting married soon afterwards.

He pioneered the practice of efficient grassland management and was a strong believer in the value of farm discussion groups for sharing knowledge.

He ran the sheep section on an annual basis at the Iverk Show, an organisation that his father Wattie was chairperson of for 21 years. He was married to Maeve, father to Jack and eldest of four children born to Wattie and the late Leecha Walsh, of Tybroughney.

Loves

John had three loves, his family, his farm (except machinery!) and horses. He was master and chairperson of the Kilmoganny, his involvement with hunting went back to his childhood days. He was very sad when the decision was taken to disband the hunt but understood more than anyone, with the increasing insurance and running costs the club had to call it a day.

John and Jack, his beloved son, continued to hunt with the Waterford and Mullinavat Hunts. Their time hunting together was time John really valued.

John was also Chairperson of the Kilmoganny Hunt point-to-point committee for more than 25 years. Over the last 10 years his farm at Mainstown hosted the December point-to-point on an annual basis.

It was considered one of the premier autumn courses in the south. His knowledge of equine breeding was second to none, and was most evident if you met him on a racecourse or at a point-to-point meeting.

One friend and neighbour recently recalled how John treated everyone with respect. He will be remembered as a wonderful husband and father, an outstanding farmer, an ambassador for Irish point-to-points, racing and hunting and a great friend to many.

In his funeral oration, his lifelong school friend Bobby Fitzgerald summarised his multi-faceted life, his love for his family and farming and annual trips to Cheltenham.

Just before his passing, the INHSC (the Turf Club) presented John with a Contribution to the Industry Award acknowledging his work, supporting the point-to-point industry, hunting, farming and the wider racing community in Ireland.

Fittingly, at his graveside, Jim Kenny (huntsman of the Waterford Hunt) blew the hunting horn (gone away) which echoed around the village church of St.

Patrick’s in Faugheen and the surrounding countryside which includes Mainstown, to a packed congregation saying goodbye to John. This was followed by the Fields of Athenry.

He is survived by his wife Maeve, son Jack, father, Wattie, sister Paula, brother Ray, extended family and many friends. Ar dheis die go raibh a anam.