The FTMTA conference held on Friday 20 November was very well received by those in attendance. In opening the conference, FTMTA president Donal Fitzpatrick expressed the wish that those attending would find the day both informative and enjoyable.

Fitzpatrick focused, during his address, on the fast-evolving nature of the modern farm machinery business and the challenges presenting themselves to the industry. The diverse panel of interesting speakers ensured that there was something in the day’s content to interest all of those present. The purely business part of the proceedings was followed by a highly enjoyable reception and dinner, which was kindly sponsored by the Irish Farmers Journal.

The conference was also sponsored by DoneDeal and AIB Finance & Leasing and the association is grateful to all three sponsors for their parts in making the day the success that it was.

The conference presentations will be made available to FTMTA member firms online.

The presentation of the FTMTA gold award for 2015 to Eileen Traynor (formerly of T. Traynor & Sons Ltd, Clonmel) took place during the conference dinner.

The FTMTA gold award is made by the association to a person who is considered by the FTMTA executive council to have given outstanding or long service to the association or the agricultural machinery industry in general.

The FTMTA presented the FTMTA gold award 2015 to Eileen Traynor in recognition of her contribution to the association as the first female member of the FTMTA executive council and also her contribution to the overall industry in many years at the forefront of her family business.