As we enter this busy spring period, it is pertinent that we remember a good servant to the sector, George Mason.

He passed away suddenly at his home in Ardfinnan near Clonmel on 10 November last.

George was unquestionably a servant of the people and he committed himself to serve his farming community through roles in Macra initially and then through his many roles in the Irish Farmers Association at both local and national level.

He was a man of warmth and integrity who would not speak ill of anyone. He was a great man to help others and would always find the answer if he did not have it there and then.

He was the internet before it arrived and the broadband that kept information flowing. His phone was almost permanently on the go and he used it to gain or spread knowledge.

George was a grain farmer and he loved the sector and the innovation it afforded him.

He was always well versed in the rules and regulations around the tillage sector and used this knowledge to help others and to guide policy evolution.

George had the enviable characteristic of being both jovial and serious but was a top-class farmer and an able businessman. He was intensely proud of his native south Tipperary and its people whom he served. His contribution to his local community and the national tillage sector was recognised by the very many people from all over the country who turned out to bid him a fond farewell.

Our deepest sympathy go to in particular to his mother Theresa, sisters Marguerite and Clara and his brother Shane. George’s father, Pat, passed away some years ago.