The Dealer hears a great night was had by all in Adare at the Paddy Fitzgerald Memorial Awards.

Nine stalwarts of the IFA were honoured for the voluntary work they’ve put into their communities. Nominees for the award included former BVA chairman Martin O’Regan, former IFA deputy president Ruaidhri Deasy, James Doyle from Kerry and Michael Lynch from Clare.

In the end it was Paddy Ryan (Luke) who was presented with the overall award by Andrew Langford, chief executive of FBD. He won for his unbroken 54 years of commitment to Cappamore Show and a multitude of other voluntary organisations in east Limerick.

The popular awards, which take place every two years, are jointly sponsored by the Paddy Fitzgerald Trustees, FBD and IFA.