The recent death (at age 93) of Paddy Fitzgerald, Harley Park, Ballingarry, Thurles, Co. Tipperary brings to an end one of the last remaining links with the 1966 NFA Farmers’ March and the events surrounding it.
He was one of the key figures in the development of NFA in South Tipperary and succeeded TJ Maher as chairman in South Tipperary in 1961.
He was a delegate to the national council at the time of the Farmers’ March and was closely associated with Rickard Deasy. He was also a member of the national livestock committee in that period and was chairman from 1966-68.
In 2005, he was delighted to join the committee that wrote the history of NFA/IFA in South Tipperary – ‘From Knocknagow to Brussels’.
In 1967 efforts were made by NFA to have members elected to the board of Clover Meats co-operative. Paddy and Joe Rea were elected for the Tipperary region and were instrumental in spearheading the drive for change. The 1970’s were years of turmoil for Clover Meats and Paddy was actively involved serving as chairman and vice-chairman until he retired from the board in 1980.
Throughout his time in public life he was noted for his forthright views and was never afraid to say what he felt needed to be said.
In the 1960’s efforts were made by the fledgling co-operative marts to promote the export of live cattle to the UK. Paddy was involved in this including the purchase of cattle in marts and their subsequent sale across the water.
He was also involved in the promotion of the welfare of people with special needs especially in the Downs’ Syndrome Association and St. Patrick’s School, Kilkenny and SOS, Kilkenny.
Paddy was a sheep and cattle farmer and was active on the farm up to his mid 80’s. He is survived by his wife Sarah (Moss) and family Michael, Pat, Pamela and Kieran.
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