Tribute paid to key figure in revival and success of Tullamore Show

TRIBUTE has been paid this week to a key figure in the revival and ongoing success of Tullamore Show and the FBD National Livestock Show, the late Tommy Finlay.

Show Chairman, Joe Molloy, said Tommy Finlay – who passed away on Monday, October 28 last – "built up the Dairy Section of the Show to where it is today."

He said the late Ballydaly farmer "lived and died for the Show" and brought huge "energy and effort to his section".

The Show Chairman – himself a dairy farmer – described Tommy as a decent, hard working man who was way ahead of his time in agricultural practices.

"Tommy was there from the start of the Show . . . he was part of the fabric of the Society as long as I can remember," said the Boora based farmer who recalled the deceased had been bestowed with Honorary Life Membership of the Show along with two other stalwarts – Christy Maye and George Gill – in 2022.

The Show Chairman said the deceased's reputation meant that dairy breeders from across Ireland were keen to exhibit at Tullamore Show and noted he ntroduced new breeds over his thirty plus years at the helm as Chairman of the Dairy Section.

"It is fitting that he handed the baton onto his daughter Martina (Neville) and that the role is still in the family . . she was his shadow over the years."

In an online statement Tullamore Show said: "Tommy was an invaluable asset to Tullamore Show, a gentleman true and true."

A progressive dairy farmer, Tommy was a keen exhibitor of cattle at various shows in Ireland across the 1980’s and one of the people behind the foundation of the Laois/ Offaly Friesian Breeders Association.

In the early 1990s, Tommy was invited to the first meeting of Tullamore Show and was elected head of the Dairy Section, a post he was to hold for three decades.

Tommy’s huge expertise and knowledge resulted in a very successful section which continues to grow.

The Ballydaly man encouraged and mentored many over the years with his calm and pleasant manner.

Speaking at a ceremony in 2022 when Honorary Life Membership was bestowed on him, Show Secretary, Chelsey Cox-McDonald said his “expertise and incredible work ethic has meant so much to the Show. His dedication and commitment has been remarkable over many years. The enthusiasm and sheer hard work is unmeasurable. No matter how big the challenge was there was always a solution.”

Aged 84, the deceased passed away peacefully at his home in Ballydaly surrounded by his loving family.

The respect and affection in which he was held was shown by the huge attendance at his wake over two days at his home in Ballydaly and at his Funeral Mass in the Church of the Assumption, Tullamore on Wednesday last.

Guards of honour were provided by Tullamore Show and the Laois/ Offaly Friesian Breeders Association.

Burial was to Durrow Cemetery following the celebration of the Funeral Mass.Predeceased by his parents Pat and Elizabeth, infant sister Ann and his brother Bernie, deepest sympathy is extended to his loving wife and best friend Ber, daughters, Martina, Paula, Carmel, Marie and Bernie, sons-in-law, Ollie Neville, Ken Furlong, Andrew Clarke and Cathal Gorman, grandchildren, Enda, Ciara, Orla, William, Aisling, Tom, Liadh, John, Niall, David, Sarah, Rachel, Ava, Rory, Shay and Jack, sisters, Mary Molloy (Kilcormac), Josie Smith (Kilbeggan) and Rose Dunne (Clonaslee), brother Pat (Galway), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, neighbours and a wide circle of friends especially those from the farming community.

May he Rest in Peace.