Latest news with #NationalPloughingAssociation
Agriland
19-05-2025
- Business
- Agriland
Innovation Arena Awards set to return to National Ploughing Championships
In an era of increasing change for agriculture, cutting-edge innovations to help futureproof the sector have never been more important, and Irish innovators are at the fore as they continue to deliver solutions for global challenges. Enterprise Ireland is committed to supporting Irish businesses to start, compete, scale and connect, and our new strategy 'Delivering for Ireland, Leading Globally' outlines our commitment to creating opportunities in communities across every region in Ireland – and our innovative agri-tech entrepreneurs are at the heart of that. Enterprise Ireland's annual Innovation Arena Awards are focused on fostering the development of Ireland's agritech innovators. This year's competition, which will return to the 2025 National Ploughing Championships (NPC), is offering these entrepreneurs the opportunity to exhibit and compete at one of Europe's largest outdoor events. The competition is hosted in partnership with the National Ploughing Association (NPA). It provides an annual exhibition platform showcasing innovative solutions from Irish agri-tech companies and innovators to thousands of domestic and international visitors and buyers over the course of the three-day event, as the NPC typically attracts more than 240,000 visitors each year. Innovation Arena Awards Entries are now being accepted for this year's Innovation Arena Awards, with applications being invited from Irish-owned companies, research and academia, who are delivering solutions that have the potential to drive positive change in the Irish agriculture sector, delivering efficiencies on farms, and supporting more sustainable practises, which can help to futureproof the industry for generations to come. 'Accelerate sustainable Irish agri business' is the focus of this year's competition, and there are three categories, including the 'Start-Up Innovator of the Year' award, which consists of a €10,000 prize, with mentoring and supports from specialist Enterprise Ireland advisors. The Enterprise Ireland 'Innovation Arena Champion Award' is for established companies with a focus on scaling and innovation, while the 'Green Impact Award' is for a company whose innovation is focused on sustaining the development of food and farming for future generations. Enterprise Ireland's Innovation Arena manager, James Maloney said that last year's competition saw applications for innovations and technological solutions focused on a range of issues, including food security, animal health and nutrition, sustainability and climate action, farm health and safety, and efficiencies on farm. Maloney said: 'We shortlisted 30 companies last year, and they were interviewed and assessed by our panel. 'A total of nine companies were named as finalists, three companies in each category, and they were invited to compete for the awards by presenting their innovations on stage at the Innovation Arena during the National Ploughing Championships, 'The popular 'Agritech Hub' will also return to this year's Innovation Arena, and this will provide an opportunity for shortlisted applicants from this year's competition to exhibit, alongside a number of participants from the competition in recent years who can apply for a spot.' Maloney said that with increasing expectations in relation to sustainability and costs, it has never been more important for the agricultural sector to be agile, 'We've saw an increase in the number of innovations that are harnessing AI tools in recent years,' he added. 'The technology is giving developers the opportunity to look at things they couldn't do up until now.' 2024 winner Reap Interactive was the 2024 winner of the 'Start-Up Innovator of the Year' Award, for Its innovation 'BovinePlus', which aims to revolutionise farming by tracking each animal individually, eliminating reliance on herd averages. The technology does this by utilising artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to provide real-time data on weight, health, and water intake, optimising profitability by pinpointing issues such as underperforming animals and enhancing feed efficiency. BovinePlus can offer farmers unparalleled insights, boosting profitability and efficiencies, and supporting sustainable livestock management. Pictured are the winners of last year's Innovation Arena Awards (l-r); Robert Shine from Samco Agricultural Manufacturing Ltd; Kieran Supple from Reap Interactive; Ronan Boyle from EASYFIX. Source: Shane O'Neill, Coalesce. Speaking about his win, founder of Reap Interactive, Kieran Supple, described it as being 'great validation for the work we are doing'. Supple said: 'Winning the Start-Up Innovator of the Year award was a great achievement for our company and a great validation for our technology 'BovinePlus'. 'When you are starting up a business there can be a lot of lonely days, but it is great to get the validation from somebody like Enterprise Ireland, from the public as well. 'The Innovation Arena was a fantastic opportunity to exhibit at one of the most influential events in the sector, and we would encourage anyone considering submitting an application to enter and to learn from those around them and to enjoy the process.' The nine finalists selected for this year will be invited to participate in a pitching competition in front of a panel of judges and live audience at the Innovation Arena on the first day of the NPC, which is being hosted in Screggan, Tullamore, Co Offaly from 16- 18 September. The deadline for entries for this year's Innovation Arena competition is 5:00p.m. on 6 June.
Irish Independent
16-05-2025
- Irish Independent
Inquest into death of farmer being used to question ‘validity' of his marriage the day before he died, coroner's courts hears
Joe Grogan (75) of Screggan, Tullamore, Co Offaly died at home on April 15, 2023. Mr Grogan was a well-known figure in the Irish farming community as his large landholding had hosted the National Ploughing Championships between 2016 and 2018. The National Ploughing Association announced last December that this year's event will be hosted by his wife, Lisa Flaherty-Grogan on the same farmland on September 16-18. Angry exchanges between legal representatives of various members of the deceased's family dominated the opening of an inquest into Mr Grogan's death at Offaly Coroner's Court in Tullamore on Friday. Counsel for Ms Flaherty-Grogan, Stephen Byrne BL, expressed concern that the proceedings were being used to question the validity of his client's marriage to the deceased on April 14, 2023 – the day before his death. Mr Byrne's comments followed a remark by Damien Tansey SC, counsel for three first cousins of Mr Grogan – Alo, Margaret and Seán Grogan – about the couple's 'would-be marriage.' 'To the world my client is legitimately and validly married,' Mr Byrne replied. He asked the coroner, Raymond Mahon, to rule on the relevancy of the marriage to the inquest. Mr Tansey retorted that Mr Byrne's observation was 'preposterous' and claimed the marriage was relevant. However, the coroner said Mr Tansey's comment about a 'would-be marriage' was 'an inappropriate term to use' and he ruled that the marriage was not relevant in relation to the cause of Mr Grogan's death. A large number of various relatives of Mr Grogan attended the inquest at Tullamore Courthouse including Ms Flaherty-Grogan who cried silently through large parts of the proceedings. At the opening of the hearing, Mr Tansey sought an adjournment of the inquest on the basis that the doctor who attended Mr Grogan's home two hours after his death, Ben Kato, was not available to give evidence. The barrister said it was absolutely essential to be able to question Dr Kato given 'the level of uncertainty' over Mr Grogan's death. Mr Tansey explained that in his long legal career he had never come across a case before where a pathologist's report had been unable to come to a conclusion about the cause of death. He told the inquest that Mr Grogan's body had been 'taken away and embalmed' before a notification of the death form was completed. Mr Tansey said the process was only stopped after the intervention of gardaí 'but not before irreparable damage was done.' Mr Byrne interjected to vehemently reject any attempt to impugn the reputation of or make insinuations about Ms Flaherty-Grogan or anyone at the time of Mr Grogan's death. He accused Mr Tansey of using 'the cloak of privilege' to make claims about Ms Flaherty-Grogan but stressed he would interject any time to protect his client when her good name and reputation was being targeted. The coroner observed that the exchanges between the two legal representatives was like 'a sparring match between two opponents jostling each other around the pitch.' However, Mr Mahon agreed to adjourn the case to arrange for Dr Kato to be called to give evidence after Peter Jones, a solicitor for an aunt of the deceased, Teresa Mooney, also stated he would wish to question the witness. Mr Tansey also asked the coroner to allow another cousin of the farmer, Padraig Grogan, to give evidence. Counsel said Padraig Grogan had visited the deceased on numerous occasions since Joe Grogan had been diagnosed with cancer in December 2022 and had 'got access on eight occasions.' Mr Tansey said the deceased's cousin would have 'an awful lot of evidence that would be helpful.' The coroner noted that he had already received a number of depositions from Mr Grogan but had decided that one witness from the family, Seán Grogan, would be enough for the inquest. While he did not see the relevance of Padraig Grogan's evidence, Mr Mahon told Mr Tansey that he could submit another deposition from him before a rescheduled hearing. Mr Tansey said there was another second cousin of the deceased called Enta who had visited Mr Grogan practically every day including the day of his 'would-be marriage.' Apologising to witnesses who had attended the hearing, the coroner adjourned the case for a date to be rearranged.
RTÉ News
16-05-2025
- RTÉ News
Validity of Offaly farmer's marriage questioned at inquest
A coroner's court has heard claims that an inquest into the death of an Offaly farmer is being used to question the validity of his marriage on the day before he died two years ago. Joe Grogan, 75, of Screggan, Tullamore, Co Offaly died at home on 15 April 2023. Mr Grogan was a well-known figure in the Irish farming community as his large landholding had hosted the National Ploughing Championships between 2016 and 2018. The National Ploughing Association announced last December that this year's event will be hosted by his wife Lisa Flaherty-Grogan on the same farmland on September 16 and 18. Angry exchanges between legal representatives of various members of the deceased's family dominated the opening of an inquest into Mr Grogan's death at Offaly Coroner's Court in Tullamore. Counsel for Ms Flaherty-Grogan, Stephen Byrne BL, expressed concern that the proceedings were being used to question the validity of his client's marriage to the deceased on 14 April 2023 – the day before his death. Mr Byrne's comments followed a remark by Damien Tansey SC, counsel for three first cousins of Mr Grogan, Alo, Margaret and Seán Grogan, about the couple's "would-be marriage". "To the world my client is legitimately and validly married," Mr Byrne replied. He asked the coroner, Raymond Mahon, to rule on the relevancy of the marriage to the inquest. Mr Tansey retorted that Mr Byrne's observation was "preposterous" and claimed the marriage was relevant. However, the coroner said Mr Tansey's comment about a "would-be marriage" was "an inappropriate term to use" and he ruled that the marriage was not relevant in relation to the cause of Mr Grogan's death. A large number of various relatives of Mr Grogan attended the inquest at Tullamore Courthouse, including Ms Flaherty-Grogan. At the opening of the hearing, Mr Tansey sought an adjournment of the inquest on the basis that the doctor who attended Mr Grogan's home two hours after his death, Ben Kato, was not available to give evidence. The barrister said it was absolutely essential to be able to question Dr Kato given "the level of uncertainty" over Mr Grogan's death. Mr Tansey explained that in his long legal career, he had never come across a case before where a pathologist's report had been unable to come to a conclusion about the cause of death. He told the inquest that Mr Grogan's body had been "taken away and embalmed" before a notification of the death form was completed. Mr Tansey said the process was only stopped after the intervention of gardaí "but not before irreparable damage was done". Mr Byrne interjected to vehemently reject any attempt to impugn the reputation of or make insinuations about Ms Flaherty-Grogan or anyone at the time of Mr Grogan's death. He accused Mr Tansey of using "the cloak of privilege" to make claims about Ms Flaherty-Grogan but stressed he would interject any time to protect his client when her good name and reputation was being targeted. The coroner observed that the exchanges between the two legal representatives was like "a sparring match between two opponents jostling each other around the pitch". However, Mr Mahon agreed to adjourn the case to arrange for Dr Kato to be called to give evidence after Peter Jones, a solicitor for an aunt of the deceased, Teresa Mooney, also stated he would wish to question the witness. Mr Tansey also asked the coroner to allow another cousin of the farmer, Padraig Grogan, to give evidence. Counsel said Padraig Grogan had visited the deceased on numerous occasions since Joe Grogan had been diagnosed with cancer in December 2022 and had "got access on eight occasions". Mr Tansey said the deceased's cousin would have "an awful lot of evidence that would be helpful". The coroner noted that he had already received a number of depositions from Mr Grogan but had decided that one witness from the family, Seán Grogan, would be enough for the inquest. While he did not see the relevance of Padraig Grogan's evidence, Mr Mahon told Mr Tansey that he could submit another deposition from him before a rescheduled hearing. Mr Tansey said there was another second cousin of the deceased called Enta who had visited Mr Grogan practically every day including the day of his "would-be marriage". Apologising to witnesses who had attended the hearing, the coroner adjourned the case for a date to be rearranged.
Irish Daily Mirror
16-05-2025
- General
- Irish Daily Mirror
National Ploughing farmer's marriage 'day before death' questioned at inquest
A coroner's court has heard claims that an inquest into the death of an Offaly farmer is being used to question the validity of his marriage on the day before he died two years ago. Joe Grogan (75) of Screggan, Tullamore, Co Offaly died at home on April 15, 2023. Mr Grogan was a well-known figure in the Irish farming community as his large landholding had hosted the National Ploughing Championships between 2016 and 2018. The National Ploughing Association announced last December that this year's event will be hosted by his wife, Lisa Flaherty-Grogan on the same farmland on September 16-18. Angry exchanges between legal representatives of various members of the deceased's family dominated the opening of an inquest into Mr Grogan's death at Offaly Coroner's Court in Tullamore on Friday. Counsel for Ms Flaherty-Grogan, Stephen Byrne BL, expressed concern that the proceedings were being used to question the validity of his client's marriage to the deceased on April 14, 2023 – the day before his death. Mr Byrne's comments followed a remark by Damien Tansey SC, counsel for three first cousins of Mr Grogan – Alo, Margaret and Seán Grogan – about the couple's 'would-be marriage.' 'To the world my client is legitimately and validly married,' Mr Byrne replied. He asked the coroner, Raymond Mahon, to rule on the relevancy of the marriage to the inquest. Mr Tansey retorted that Mr Byrne's observation was 'preposterous' and claimed the marriage was relevant. However, the coroner said Mr Tansey's comment about a 'would-be marriage' was 'an inappropriate term to use' and he ruled that the marriage was not relevant in relation to the cause of Mr Grogan's death. A large number of various relatives of Mr Grogan attended the inquest at Tullamore Courthouse including Mr Flaherty-Grogan who cried silently through large parts of the proceedings. At the opening of the hearing, Mr Tansey sought an adjournment of the inquest on the basis that the doctor who attended Mr Grogan's home two hours after his death, Ben Kato, was not available to give evidence. The barrister said it was absolutely essential to be able to question Dr Kato given 'the level of uncertainty' over Mr Grogan's death. Mr Tansey explained that in his long legal career he had never come across a case before where a pathologist's report had been unable to come to a conclusion about the cause of death. He told the inquest that Mr Grogan's body had been 'taken away and embalmed' before a notification of the death form was completed. Mr Tansey said the process was only stopped after the intervention of gardaí 'but not before irreparable damage was done.' Mr Byrne interjected to vehemently reject any attempt to impugn the reputation of or make insinuations about Ms Flaherty-Grogan or anyone at the time of Mr Grogan's death. He accused Mr Tansey of using 'the cloak of privilege' to make claims about Ms Flaherty-Grogan but stressed he would interject any time to protect his client when her good name and reputation was being targeted. The coroner observed that the exchanges between the two legal representatives was like 'a sparring match between two opponents jostling each other around the pitch.' However, Mr Mahon agreed to adjourn the case to arrange for Dr Kato to be called to give evidence after Peter Jones, a solicitor for an aunt of the deceased, Teresa Mooney, also stated he would wish to question the witness. Mr Tansey also asked the coroner to allow another cousin of the farmer, Padraig Grogan, to give evidence. Counsel said Padraig Grogan had visited the deceased on numerous occasions since Joe Grogan had been diagnosed with cancer in December 2022 and had 'got access on eight occasions.' Mr Tansey said the deceased's cousin would have 'an awful lot of evidence that would be helpful.' The coroner noted that he had already received a number of depositions from Mr Grogan but had decided that one witness from the family, Seán Grogan, would be enough for the inquest. While he did not see the relevance of Padraig Grogan's evidence, Mr Mahon told Mr Tansey that he could submit another deposition from him before a rescheduled hearing. Mr Tansey said there was another second cousin of the deceased called Enta who had visited Mr Grogan practically every day including the day of his 'would-be marriage.' Apologising to witnesses who had attended the hearing, the coroner adjourned the case for a date to be rearranged.
