At a very prestigious event in Athlone last weekend, Freda Kinnarney was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award, from the executive of the National Hall of Fame Awards, in recognition of her involvement with Tullamore Show & National Livestock Show. Mrs Pippa Hackett, Minister of State for Agriculture, presented the Award.

Michael Flanagan, CEO of the awards committee outlined that the Lifetime Achievement Award was for 28 years of service, dedication, commitment and organisational skills for the benefit of the showgoing public. 

Freda’s role with the Tullamore Show started out as a steward in the cookery section of the show in 1992 and prior to her recent retirement, she was Secretary and Operations Manager for the Show, which is now firmly established as Ireland Premier Show. 

During her acceptance address, Freda stated that “receiving this very prestigious award here tonight is such an honour and privilege, especially when you realise the scale and size of the Tullamore Show.  She continued to say that “ It has provided me with the most wonderful opportunities and experiences that anyone could have in their lifetime.  While there was a lot of work involved, it was so rewarding to see the successes, in so many ways, that were being achieved by the Show.

However, she went on to say that “I truly acknowledge that I am only one cog in a big wheel, so I would like to accept the award on behalf of everyone on the TEAM that is Tullamore Show and National Livestock Show”.  Freda then introduced her colleagues from the show committee who attended the event. These included recent chairpersons, lifelong members and a number of the current management, including Joe Molloy, chairman, Chelsey Cox McDonald, Secretary and Michael Dolan, head of the livestock section.

The National Hall of Fame Awards has become one of the highlights in the Agri social calendar.  Michael Flanagan, CEO, National Hall of Fame Awards, has to be complimented for his foresight in establishing this great way of recognising people who have given so much to various elements of the Agri industry.  Michael says that “the National Hall of Fame Award is very special. No colour of money can buy it !” 

Former recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award include Ray McSharry, European Commissioner for Agriculture, Anna May McHugh, MD of NPA, Matt Dempsey of Irish Farmers Journal.  The 2019 recipient was Raymond Coyle, Tayto Park.