Paul Dowd - a resolute champion of Cavan farmers

It was with great sadness that the community heard of the death of Mr Paul Dowd, Ardamagh, Ballyhaise, on Saturday, September 10 at Cavan General Hospital. Paul was aged 86 and lived in Ardamagh all his life. He was a progressive and very well respected farmer and was heavily involved in the NFA (National Farmers' Association) which later became the IFA in 1955. He was an active participant in the Farmers Rally which was held in Dublin in October 1966, this rally marked a turning point in attitudes to farming as farmers were prepared to fight for a better standard of living for themselves and their families. Paul was a founding member of Cavan IFA and was an acknowledged colossus within the farming circles in County Cavan. He was a highly intelligent man, an effective campaigner and a strategist. Paul devoted part of his working life to the betterment of farmers in Ireland and more particularly his native Cavan. He always prided himself in being the first to try new things. In the '40s Paul's innovative ideas led to him securing contracts for the spraying of potatoes with his horse drawn sprayer. This was unheard of at this time. In the '50s he worked on land reclamation projects and he had contracts with farmers for the purchase, distribution and spreading of lime over many counties. In the late '60s and early '70s Paul supplied potatoes to Cavan Surgical hospital. Back in the '70s when tractors were not what they are today Paul transported milk by tractor and a milk tanker through all weathers from Killeshandra Co-op to Virginia. He was one of the first farmers in County Cavan to do round bales of silage with demonstrations taking place on his farm. Paul was secretary of the Cavan Farmer Trade Union which operated from the mid '40s to the mid '50s. His leadership qualities were readily apparent at this stage and he embarked on the trade union activities at the tender age of 20. He was County Treasurer of the NFA for years and he also served as County Chairman of the IFA for a number of terms. He represented the county at national level many times over the five decades and served on numerous national committees of the association. Paul built up his home farm from four cows in 1956 to what it is today. He was Honorary President of the Cavan IFA up to the time of his passing and was given lifelong membership. At local level Paul was a founding member of Ballyhaise Co-op Animal Feeds. He was elected to County Cavan Committee of Agriculture in July 1985 and his wide knowledge of farming did much to enhance the work of the committee in the development of farming in County Cavan over this period. Always eager to embrace change and whatever was best for the people of this region his vast knowledge and sound advice was sought and taken on board by people from all walks of life. He was an original director of Northern Sound radio. Paul was a devout Christian and was the youngest of a group of local farmers who formed a convoy of horses and carts that drew the building stones from the old cathedral in Cavan to Ballyhaise for the erection of the new St. Mary's church. He was a member of the Pastoral Council and had great respect for all religions. In the latter years, Paul continued his love for gardening and created a flower garden with beautiful dahlias from across the world. He was a gifted fruit and vegetable grower and took great pride in sharing his produce with family and friends. Paul enjoyed playing golf in his spare time and was a member of Belturbet Golf Club. He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him and this was evident from the large crowds who came to his removal and funeral with guard of honours from IFA and his neighbours. The funeral Mass was on Monday, September 12 in St Brigid's church, Killoughter and burial took place afterwards in Cullies Cemetery. Paul is survived by his wife, Maddie, his brother, Father Jimmy, children Kathleen, Seamus, Margaret, Paul, Mary, Bernadette, Rose, Paddy, Oliver, Helena, and Susan. He is also sadly mourned by his grandchildren, sons-in-law and daughters-in-law, relatives and friends.