Laois council bestows highest honor on Ireland's farming leader

It was perhaps appropriate that the final speaker at the Civic Reception held by Laois County Council to honour Francie Gorman was his school friend, fellow farmer and IFA colleague John Fitzpatrick.

Both, the event was told, made their communions together and John was by Francie's side during the IFA presidential election campaign that culminated in Francie ascending to lead an organisation of 75,000 members across the 26 counties.

John's brief few words of praise for his friend and colleague concluded with the comment. "We're behind you all the way Francie,” he said.

It was a profound compliment to Francie and his leadership which thousands of farmers in Laois and beyond saw when they voted for him in the IFA presidential election.

This continued support was reflected at the Civic Reception in County Hall Portlaoise on Friday, October 31 when county chairs from Cork, Galway, Tipperary, Kildare and Offaly gathered to celebrate Francie's electoral achievement.

His status and popularity in the association was also reflected by the presence of IFA Director General, Damian McDonald, vice-president Alice Doyle and others. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Apart from John Fitzpatrick, Laois County Chair for Francie's election campaign, Laois farmers were out in force to honour their president.

It was those members who backboned his campaign around a core group of Pat Hennessy, Ann Marie Aird, John Fitzpatrick, Henry Burns and others.

Henry and Pat were among the speakers at the Civic Reception. Apart from their praise for their president, they were fulsome in their thanks to Laois IFA members present who got Francie over the line in an election that he started as an outsider.
As Laois County Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr Padraig Fleming had the honour of bestowing the Civic Reception on the Ballinakill man in recognition of his electoral success.

Laois municipal district chairs Cllr Willie Aird, Cllr Conor Bergin and Cllr Vivienne Phelan were all delighted to speak in praise. They were joined by Cllr John King, Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley, Cllr Aisling Moran and Cllr Ollie Clooney. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Pictured: Laois IFA Chair, Henry Burns, IFA Director General, Damian McDonald, IFA President Francie Gorman. Pic: Leinster Express / Laois Live

Laois Offaly TDs, Minister of State Seán Fleming and Dep Brian Stanley also congratulated Francie on his achievement.
Simon Walton, acting council CEO, spoke on behalf of the local authority executive and staff.

Just like racehorse trainer Aidan O'Brien after winning a big race, Francie was humble, fulsome and generous in his praise and thanks to everyone who helped him to become IFA president.

Initially reluctant to run, the former Portlaoise Rugby Club player told the gathering that when he made his mind up to have a go he would give it everything just like he probably did during games at Togher.

“When I put my head down I said to myself I'd stay going,” he said.

Stay going, a great Laois phrase, he did and Francie's campaign didn't stop until he got to the Irish Farm Centre this February to assume the leadership of Ireland's biggest farm organisation for a four-year term. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Cllr Padraig Fleming makes a presentation to Francie, Kay and son Tom Gorman. Pic: Leinster Express / Laois Live

He said he was honoured to accept the award in his native county because Laois and its people, is for Francie, where all starts and ends.

“I'm a proud Laois man and even if I won the lotto I wouldn't want to live anywhere else but Laois,” he said.

The event concluded with Pat Delaney reading the Civic Reception citation which was presented by Cllr Padraig Fleming.