Shock at sudden death of progressive dairy farmer and advocate of agricultural affairs through IFA

The farming community in Offaly and throughout Ireland is in deep shock this week after news filtered through of the sudden death of a progressive dairy farmer and a vocal advocate on agricultural affairs.

Tributes have been paid to the late Joe Parlon, from the Leap, between Roscrea and Birr, whose death occurred on Wednesday afternoon last.

A popular member of the farming and wider community, Joe was the chairman of Offaly county executive of the Irish Farmers Association from 2010 to 2014.

He championed a wide range of issues during his four year term at the helm including flooding on lands near the river Shannon in the west of the county.

He was a progressive dairy farmer who farmed at Aghancon in the shadow of the famous Leap Castle.

Joe was also involved in all aspects of community life in his native parish and was a member of Coolderry Drama Group.

He was a brother of the former President of the IFA, Progressive Democrats TD and Government Minister, Tom Parlon,

Predeceased by his parents Michael and Mary, sister Margaret and granddaughter Daisy. Joe will be sadly missed by his loving wife Mary, sons Darragh, Declan and Eoghan, brothers Tom and Brendan, sister Mary Crookes (Australia), grandson Paidí, daughters in-law Caitriona, Catherine and Eoghan’s partner Katie, sisters in law Martha Parlon, Lucy Dunne and Michelle Ryan, brothers in law Colman Coady and Gordon Crookes and uncle Phil O'Meara, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and wide circle of friends to whom the deepest sympathy is extended.