Philip Greene, from Lobinstown, Co Meath, who died recently was one of the stalwarts of the Irish farm machinery industry during the 1970s and 80s. He began his career in McGee’s of Ardee and also spent a period working with Pierce of Wexford.

He spent two years of his early career in Australia before returning to the farm machinery industry in Ireland. In 1975, he was appointed as the Irish representative for English company AC Bamlett Ltd.

Philip soon set up AC Bamlett Ireland at Dunshaughlin, Co Meath, and later at Raystown, Ratoath.

At that time, AC Bamlett was the Irish agent for the Same range of tractors, as well as a range of Bamlett-manufactured machines produced in Thirsk, Yorkshire, England, and the US-manufactured Gehl range of farm machinery.

Philip acquired AC Bamlett in 1981 and soon became the Vaderstad importer for Ireland.

In 1981, he set up Philip Greene Machinery to become a John Deere dealer after the demise of Sherrard’s of Santry. He continued that business until his retirement in 2002.

Philip was an active member of the Farm Tractor and Machinery Trade Association and had a wealth of knowledge about farm machinery.

His pleasant disposition made him great company and he had a wide circle of friends. His death follows a lengthy illness which he bore with great dignity.

To his wife Jane, son Colin and daughters Tracy, Jennifer and Annmarie, we extend our deepest sympathy.