Nominees for Paddy Fitzgerald Awards 2026 announced

The nominees for the Paddy Fitzgerald Awards 2026 have been announced.

Each of the nine IFA County Executives in Munster has put forward a nominee for the Awards night, which will take place next Sunday, October 25, in Adare in Co Limerick.

Billy Kelleher, who is a second-term MEP for Ireland South with an interest in agricultural affairs, will be the guest speaker.

IFA Munster Regional Chair Conor O’Leary said the Paddy Fitzgerald Awards embody the ethos of volunteerism & the unstinting dedication of people who seek to enhance their local community.

“Each of the nine nominees has been chosen by their County Executive & I want to wish all of them well on the night. The cornerstone of IFA’s work is the willingness of farmers to give of their time in representing their fellow farmers. It is only fitting that this should be recognised and I would like to thank FBD for their support for this prestigious event.”

FBD Trust Chairman Michael Berkery said, “Volunteers like the late Paddy Fitzgerald laid the foundations for the establishment of FBD, an Irish-owned insurance company with deep roots in rural Ireland. Paddy Fitzgerald was an inspirational NFA/IFA farm leader in Munster and a strong advocate of farmer shareholders owning their business beyond the farm gate through co-operatives. He was actively involved in collecting the initial share capital that was crucial in the establishment of FBD Insurance”.

“It is fitting and proper that our generation should acknowledge the wonderful legacy we have inherited from the voluntary efforts of Paddy Fitzgerald and his contemporary farm leaders. The Paddy Fitzgerald Awards are an ideal recognition of community volunteerism and FBD is delighted to play our part in supporting the awards established in 1998, and now in their 28th year.”

Martin Stapleton, who is the Chairman of the Trustees, said the Paddy Fitzgerald Awards were an opportunity to celebrate those who put themselves forward on behalf of their neighbours and their communities.

“Every rural community can point to achievements that would not be possible without people stepping up to make it a better place. The Paddy Fitzgerald Awards celebrate those who can say they left their mark.”

The nominees are:

Clare     MJ O'Brien

Cork Central     Martin O'Keeffe

Cork North     John Magnier

Cork West     Corney Buckley

Kerry    James Keane

Limerick     Willie Staunton

South Tipp     Michael Walsh

North Tipp     William Moloney

Waterford     Kevin Kiersey