Anna May was named the Premier Award Winner at the ceremony held at the Crowne Plaza in Santry on Thursday night last (November 18).
The driving force behind the National Ploughing Championship since 1973, Anna May was presented with the Paul Lync
h Memorial sculpture as a token of her immense input into farming life in Ireland. Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy presented Anna May with her award on the night.
She follows in the footsteps of previous high profile winners, including former SDLP leader and Nobel peace prize winner John Hume; former Minster for Justice, Equity and Law Reform Michael McDowell as well as Fr Aidan Troy and Bertie Ahern.
According to Alan Jordan, president of the ISIA: "Anna May McHugh is one of the nations heroes. She organises the biggest, best and most diversified event in Ireland every year and adds real value and excitement to people's lives, all around the country. She is a most deserving winner of our Premier Award."
Under Anna May's direction, this year saw the National Ploughing Championships return to Athy for the first time since the event began. The three-day event still managed to attract a large attendance despite a slowing economy.
The announcement following the conclusion of the three-day spectacle that it would be returning to Cardenton next year has endeared Anna May even more to the area as the event affords the town priceless publicity.
This honour has been awarded to a diverse range of people and groups who have served or represented Ireland and her people with dedicated devotion and selfless commitment. According to the ISIA the awards look to honour people who have excelled themselves for the benefit of the country and Anna May was very deserving of the Premier Award because of her major influence on the agriculture sector.
