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Irish Independent
22-05-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Wexford man George Walsh was a highly respected ploughman
George was born at Island Farm where he lived all his life, on June 18, 1932 to parents James and Alice (nee Bailey). George had two older sisters, Elizabeth and Lucetta and he was called after his grandfather George. George was first and foremost a gentleman, he had many talents and many interests. He liked to read the daily newspaper and kept himself fully abreast of world events and current affairs right up to weeks before his passing. In addition to his love for his wife Violet, who he married in June 1959, and his family, he was a true Christian man who attended his place of worship weekly. George loved his family, church, farm and ploughing and lived his life with great contentment. He always said, 'if you are working at what you love it's not really a job at all'. Following his early education in Kilnamanagh National School and then Kilmuckridge Technical School, he came home to farm in the mid-1940s. Island Farm was a typical mixed farm of its time and it was more or less self-sufficient with dairy cows, cattle, sheep, fowl of all kinds. He grew wheat, oats, barley, sugar beet, swedes, mangolds and there was a vegetable garden to be looked after as well. He worked hard and long hours, but always in a measured way and generally didn't get into a fuss or fluster about too much. He gave every day its own measure. His children were remarking at his funeral that their father would come in for his tea after evening milking, then usually went out again to his workshop, where he'd be fixing a machine or making something, but he often came back in at bedtime to say their prayers and read a story with them. In 1970, George entered his first ploughing match in Kilmuckridge in the Parish Class and won first prize. That was the start of his long association with the Kilmuckridge Ploughing Association and ploughing competitions at county and national level. He was chairman of the local club for many years and was president of the club up to his death. He was also the chairman of the Wexford Ploughing Association for a long stretch in the 1970s and 1980s and was very involved in the ploughing matches in Rosegarland, Wellingtonbridge in 1973 and 1981 and the Wells Match in 1976. He loved all aspects of ploughing, meeting fellow ploughmen and he also enjoyed competing in them. He competed at parish, county and national level. He won the Vintage Tractor Class with his David Brown Cropmaster tractor and plough in the National Ploughing Championships in 1999. For many of these matches he was accompanied by his sons, James and Eric who both also competed. George along with his great friend the late Murt O'Sullivan, travelled the length and breadth of the country attending matches and judging competitions. It wasn't just Ireland where he attended and judged ploughing. He also went to judge the Europeean ploughing in Belgium, Czech Republic, Wales and Switzerland and to plough in the UK to represent his country in the vintage 2-furrow class. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more The support of the ploughmen from all corners of Ireland at his wake and funeral services was testament to the high esteem in which George was held by many. He was a ploughman who had ploughed the furrows along with them in the course of his life. In addition to his love of ploughing, George was a member of the Kilmuckridge and Kilnamanagh Church of Ireland Community and was a Vestry Members and Representative at Diocesan Synod for over 40 years. George was also a member of the IFA and was one of the founder members of Wexford Mart. He also liked to recall stories and the one that fascinated him most was when he was 8 years old he was the first on the scene, quickly followed by his mother, when an RAF Hurricane Fighter Plane crash landed in the 'Big Field' at Island Farm. The pilot, Paul Mayhew, landed safely and George remembers his mother brought him into the house for some tea before the local military police came to arrest him and bring him to the Curragh Camp. When he was a bit older, he was asked by the Doyne Family from Wells House to be one of the coffin bearers for Miss Kathleen Doyne's funeral and it wasn't a job he had much practise at up to then but he seemingly managed well as he carried a lot of coffins after that one throughout his life. George led a good life, he was a sincere and helpful neighbour, friend and family man. His love of new farm methods and new ideas helped him to move with the times. He was never afraid of innovation or some new way of doing things, particularly, if it saved him time and was a more efficient way to get the job done. He was also very fond of machinery and for many years did harvest contracting for a number of local farmers. George will be sadly missed by his wife, Violet, daughters, Olive (Thorpe) and Alison (Williams) and his sons James and Eric. His son's- in- law, Desmond and Neil, and daughters-in-law, Allyson and Odette. His grandchildren, Stephen, Sarah, Grace, Ruth, Rebecca, George, Lydia, Andrew, Victoria, David, John and Ben and his ten great-grandchildren, his extended family, and all his neighbours and friends. His family thanked all who expressed sympathy, the HSE home carers and staff of Wexford General Hospital, as well as the clergy for their support at this time.
Agriland
20-05-2025
- General
- Agriland
Photo competition to highlight benefits of trees and forests
Teagasc and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) have launched a photo competition aiming to showcase the benefits provided by trees and forests. The 'Trees in our Lives' photo competition is open to all ages with both junior and adult categories. The competition provides an opportunity for non-professional photographers and photo enthusiasts to get snapping while being in with a chance to win prizes. According to Teagasc, trees and forests provide multiple services for people, ranging from carbon storage and protection of water quality to increased income and employment opportunities, many in rural areas. 'The right trees, established in the right places, enhance the landscape, improve biodiversity, provide shelter and generate additional income,' the authority said. Jake Byrne from Kilkenny, was the overall junior winner in the previous competition The 'Trees in our lives' competition focuses on three consecutive forest themes running from May 19 to 5:00p.m on July 14, 2025. Over this period, participants can submit one image for each of the following themes. Trees and Water : The first theme covers images that capture and reflect the beauty of trees and water in combination. : The first theme covers images that capture and reflect the beauty of trees and water in combination. Trees on the Farm : The second theme can apply to images of all aspects of trees on the farm. Images may include how forests and trees can complement other farming activities and enhance the overall landscape; how trees provide shelter from wind and sun for farm animals and crops and how overall farm sustainability is enhanced by suitably planted trees. : The second theme can apply to images of all aspects of trees on the farm. Images may include how forests and trees can complement other farming activities and enhance the overall landscape; how trees provide shelter from wind and sun for farm animals and crops and how overall farm sustainability is enhanced by suitably planted trees. Trees and Biodiversity: The third theme invites participants to capture images of the wealth of animal and plant life in and around forests. As well as captivating tree species, forest habitats can sustain a vast range of birds, insects, fungi as well as flowering and fruit bearing plants. Each theme will have a prize, sponsored by DAFM, of €300 for an adult category winner and €150 for a junior category winner. This year there will be runners-up in each category and in each theme. Runners-up prizes include €100 per adult runner-up and €50 per junior runner-up. The overall winners will be presented with their prizes by the Minister of State for Forestry Michael Healy-Rae at the National Ploughing Championships in mid-September. The six winning photos will be displayed at the National Ploughing Championships at the Teagasc and Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine stand. Speaking at the launch of the photo competition, Tom Houlihan, acting head of the Teagasc Forestry Development Department, said: 'Our forests provide a wide range of benefits and, as with other years, we invite and encourage participants of all ages to submit good quality and attractive digital images that highlight some of these multiple benefits'. Further information on how to enter the competition can be found on the Teagasc website.
Agriland
20-05-2025
- Business
- Agriland
National brown bread baking competition returns
The National Brown Bread Baking Competition 2025 has been officially launched today (Tuesday, May 20) at the Home of Innovation in Dublin. The event, sponsored by retailer Euronics, is organised by the National Ploughing Association (NPA) and the Irish Countrywomen's Association (ICA) and attracts entries from bakers across the country. The final of this year's competition will take place at the National Ploughing Championships, Screggan, Tullamore, Co. Offaly. Eight finalists will take to the stage to bake their brown breads for the judges in the semi-finals on September 16 and 17, with the winner crowned on during the final on September 18. The overall winner will take home a cash prize of €5,000, along with a NEFF Slide & Hide oven worth over €2,000. The three finalists on September 18 will be presented with a €500 Euronics gift card and all other finalists will be given a €250 Euronics gift card and a Neff hamper. Brown bread Five bakers will be invited to join the three finalists from the ICA who will be chosen at the national event in ICA headquarters on July 21. All successful entrants will be contacted on August 11 and invited to attend The National Ploughing Championships Brown Bread Baking Tent. All entrants (one entry per person) are being asked to drop their freshly baked bread to one of the stores below (all part of the Euronics group) on the prescribed dates between 9:00a.m and 11:00a.m. Bakers are asked to note that bread will not be accepted in the stores outside of these times. The following is a list of the brown bread drop off locations, dates and time: Friday, July 18 J O'Mahonys Prosperous, Downings North, Prosperous, Co. Kildare; Grange Baldoyle, Unit 48G, Baldoyle Ind Est, Baldoyle, Co. Dublin; Mastercare in Killester, 164 Howth Road, Clontarf West, Killester; Heavins, A1&A2 Shannon Retail Park, Dublin Road, Athlone, Co. Westmeath Friday, July 25 Bandon Co-Op, Kilbrogan , Bandon, Co Cork; Jack Fitzgerald, Howleys Quay, Prior's Land, Limerick; Joyce's Hardware & Home Galway Road, Cuilleen, Headford, Co. Galway. Friday, August 1 Redmond Electric, Unit 6 WFC Retail Park, The Avenue, Gorey, Co. Wexford; Keans Claremorris, Mount Street, Clare, Claremorris, Co. Mayo; Brodericks Westport, 5 Castlebar Road, Westport, Co. Mayo; Harrys Electric Unit 2 Moynehall Retail Park, Ballinagh Road, Cavan. Daragh Lynch, Euronics Ireland chief executive, said the company was delighted to return for a second year to sponsor the competition. 'Ovens of all shapes and sizes bake brown bread every day across Ireland and we look forward to tasting all the entries. 'Last year we were blown away by how many brown bread bakers entered their breads – dropping them at various Euronics stores,' he said. NPA managing director Anna May McHugh said: 'We are delighted to welcome back Euronics to the National Ploughing Championships. 'The first national brown bread baking competition took place at the Ploughing in 1954 and it is wonderful to see that the competition is still as popular now as it was then.' Mary D'Arcy, ICA national president added: 'Our members always enjoy taking part in the National Brown Bread Baking competition to find the best brown bread in Ireland and I am sure this year will be no different.'
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
17-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
RTÉ standing by €500,000 tender contract for supply of branding
The tender contract issued by the broadcaster is looking for contractors to 'produce and supply branded promotional goods [merchandise and branded material] to promote its brand, services, programmes and events to audiences as part of a framework. The estimated spend is for the potential term of the contract.' The value of the contract, which mentions paper cups, stationary, T-shirts, notebooks, pencils and ballpoint pens, is up to €500,000. The broadcaster's finances have been under intense focus since the 2023 payments scandal, and RTÉ is under some pressure to cut costs in exchange for €725m in government supports. A spokesman for RTÉ defended the planned spend on merchandise, saying: 'This is not a tender for branded pens, pencils and T-shirts.' He said that RTÉ is inviting submissions from tenders for 'a range' of promotional products 'required to promote its brand, services, programmes and events to audiences'. 'The tender refers to a five-year period and the amount referred to represents an estimate, not a committed spend,' the spokesman said. The spokesman said that the tender would include branded clothing or display items, including RTÉ branded umbrellas for presenters and branded back drops. T-shirts, water bottles, stationery and mugs that would ultimately be given to the public at RTÉ events such as the National Ploughing Championships, the BT Young Scientist or the RTÉ Choice Music Prize would also be included. The contract would also cover 'merchandise at outside broadcasts, particularly for our radio services, and branded clothing to be worn by RTÉ staff'. 'In procuring these items, it is vital that RTÉ delivers the best possible value for money when ordering these items. This framework will consolidate the purchasing of items, previously procured by RTÉ teams locally by way of quotation in line with RTÉ's procurement policy,' the spokesman said. RTÉ's spending is set to come under further scrutiny, as the broadcaster is one of the first organisations to be brought before the newly formed Oireachtas Media Committee. Oireachtas committees were finally formed and able to meet after a long delay caused by the protracted speaking rights row. Alan Kelly, the Labour TD and chairman of the media committee, has already met with RTÉ director general Kevin Bakhurst. Two weeks ago, Mr Kelly and Mr Bakhurst met to discuss a controversy over a partially failed IT system that cost €3.6m. It emerged this month that RTÉ had written down €3.6m. The IT project, which was bought with some of the proceeds of RTÉ selling off some of its land in Dublin 4, was designed to replace five outdated finance and HR systems. The money lost on the IT system only emerged in the wake of the Arts Council controversy over its failed IT system. Media Minister Patrick O'Donovan had sought details from organisations under his remit about whether or not any of them had similar scandals. The RTÉ IT system then became public knowledge after correspondence between the broadcaster and the department was released under Freedom of Information law to The Currency. 'The latest revelations from RTÉ of a massive writedown on a failed IT system demands serious attention,' Mr Kelly said earlier this month. In particular, Mr Kelly pointed to his time on the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) during the RTÉ payments saga and questioned why the issue of the HR system was not brought to the committee's attention then. 'At the time of the controversy in 2023, I and others asked at the PAC committee: was there anything else we needed to know. Why wasn't this brought up then?' Mr Kelly asked. 'What about RTÉ's commitments on openness and transparency with the public? There are a number of questions that must be answered.' At the meeting with the broadcasting chief, Mr Kelly said they also discussed 'future plans for RTÉ, the restructuring programme and a range of legacy issues in the organisation'.
