Reddy Day who died recently was a towering figure in Irish agriculture for many years. He made notable contributions in the Department of Agriculture and in agribusiness.

Reddy was born in Whitegate, Co Cork, in 1924. He graduated in Agricultural Science in UCD in 1945. He proceeded to the M Agr Sc degree the following year.

Joining the Department of Agriculture, his first posting was to Johnstown Castle Agricultural College, Co Wexford. He was a member of a team of highly esteemed researchers headed by Dr Tom Walsh.

Returning to headquarters, Reddy was assigned to flood control on the Shannon. From here he had rapid promotion in the Department. Among his new responsibilities were the Munster Institute, all the agricultural colleges and the poultry division. Here was also the time he met Anna Donnelly, graduate of the Munster Institute. She was soon to become his wife and invaluable support throughout his career.

Transferring to the livestock area in the Department in 1961, Reddy soon made his mark. The Second Programme for Economic Expansion was published in 1962. The agricultural section, known as the Brown Book, was largely the work of Reddy Day and George Foster. It set out the blueprint for significant agricultural development following the ground-breaking work of TK Whitaker. Another notable success was his partnership with John Beatty and Austin Mescal in the first importation of continental cattle – Charolais – in 1964.

In the mid-1970s, Reddy changed career to become farm manager at Peamount Hospital, he subsequently became chief executive. He was invited to become chair of CBF, the promotion body for the sale of meat and livestock which subsequently became Bord Bia.

Reddy joined the Royal Dublin Society in 1960.

He died in his 93rd year. Deepest sympathy is extended to his wife Anna and their children Catherine, Therese, Paul, Rosemary, Helena, William, their families and his sisters Kathleen and Ursula.

- AM