A farm politician and activist - Laois' Padraig Walshe made a substantial impact in all roles

Padraig Walshe’s ascent to an illustrious career in farm politics began in his early formative years on his parents farm at Bishopswood, Durrow.

The son of Paddy and Sheila Walshe, Paddy himself was a lifelong IFA member and served as county secretary for 13 years. Padraig said that he inherited from his parents a sense of the importance of farmers working together and helping each other.

Having attended the local national school in Cullahill, he went to study at St. Kieran’s College in Kilkenny where he sat his Leaving Certificate.

Later he attended Warrenstown Agricultural College before returning home to take over the family farm. There he built up a model dairy herd which won numerous awards, including Dairy Farmer of the Year in 1991. 

Macra was the first port of call in a life spent in farm politics. The young Padraig served in a variety of positions in Macra, and was elected President in 1987 where he served a two year term of office with distinction.

Among his major achievements during his tenure was the securing of a seat for Macra amongst the first ever Social Partners which produced the first Programme for National Recovery. This paved the way for Macra’s input into all successive national agreements. 

He also secured the introduction of the first ever installation package for young farmers. Another significant hallmark of his time in Macra was his success in achieving stamp duty relief for young farmers. These achievements helped thousands of young farmers to get a start in farming. 

In 1989 he was appointed to the board of Teagasc, the agricultural training and advisory body, where he represented the voice of young farmers for five years. Later, in 1995, he served a term as Chairman of the Grassland Association.

His IFA involvement began through his membership of his local branch in Durrow and he served in a variety of positions, including a term as Laois county chairman. 

He was elected to a number of the IFA’s national Commodity Committees and was chairman of the key Dairy Committee, the national voice of milk producers. 

As National Dairy Committee Chairman he was instrumental in steering through the first major reform of the milk quota system since its introduction in 1983. 

“While being concerned at the effect on milk price of additional quota across the board, Padraig was clearly of the view that should there be extra quota mooted at EU level, Ireland should be top of the list,” said an IFA colleague at the time who closely monitored the process which was finally introduced in April 2000. 

A relentless campaigner on behalf of farmers, Padraig ran several successful milk price campaigns to highlight improved market returns and the need for co-ops to pass them back to farmers. These campaigns included major farmers' meetings particularly in the Glanbia and Golden Vale areas.  

He made his first run for the IFA in 2001 at the age of 43, losing out to John Dillon on that occasion.

Undeterred and driven he ran again in 2005 and was elected the 12th President of the Association in December 2005, seeing off a crowded field of Ruaidhri Deasy from Tipperary and Louth’s Raymond O’Malley. 

In 2009, he  was elected by farm leaders from across Europe as President of COPA.

He also chaired Farmer Business Developments following his roles in IFA and he continued as a director of FBD until his untimely passing.

He was actively involved in his local community and was a keen sports follower.

“I am a dedicated farmer,” he told the Leinster Express in 2001. “I love farming and I believe deeply in it. I never seriously considered any other career and I know how lucky I am to be able to have the job I want.”

He is survived by his wife Ella, son Pat and daughters Julianne, Catherine and Elma.