Corrin Mart in Fermoy was a most fitting location for the memorial service held to honour, remember and celebrate the life of the late Paddy O'Keeffe given his strong ties and long association with the agri sector. He died peacefully at his home in Killavullen on Sunday last at the age of 89, just short of the 90th birthday he'd planned to celebrate at the Corrin Event Centre.

A native of Fermoy, he grew up on the family farm at Duntaheen where he saw at first hand the challenges facing farmers and those involved in agriculture.

Described variously as 'a pioneer', 'an innovator' and 'a mentor', the former editor of the Irish Farmers Journal and the Irish Field was the subject of many tributes following his death.

He had presided over considerable growth in readership of the Farmers Journal after being appointed editor in 1951 and was considered a driving force behind the setting up and success of Farmer Business Developments, known as FBD which went on to become a leading Irish-owned insurance company. He helped set up the Agricultural Trust in 1961. While he retired as editor of the Farmers Journal in 1988, he remained as chief executive until 1993. He took over the chair of the Agricultural Trust in 1993 and also served ascChairman of the Agricultural Insitute and of the FBD. He was a member of the board of the RTE Authority and of Bord na gCapall.

Fermoy Mayor Michael Hanley said he'd known Paddy 'for the guts of 45 years'. "He was a personal friend and a great support of mine," he said, also using that word 'mentor'. "I worked for and with him in earlier years," Michael recalled. "He supported, backed and tried, among others, to organise a new hotel for our town, though sadly it didn't happen. He was a tremendous thinker and innovator who pushed himself and others to be their best."

Matt Dempsey, editor of the Farmers Journal said of him: "Paddy maintained his vitality and intense interest in life up to the very end. His weekly article appeared in last week's Farmers Journal and he chaired our board meeting last Monday, January 7th. He spoke of Paddy's success in revitalising and developing the Farmers Journal, his involvement in the foundation of FBD and the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation. "To all of us in the Farmers Journal he was an inspiration, a mentor and a friend," he said.

In 1979 Paddy suffered a serious spinal injury in a horse riding accident but, displaying characteristic determination and resolve, he went on to make a full recovery.

Testament to his love of life was his decision to remarry last year after his wife of 60 years, Anne passed away in 2011. He married and is survived and mourned by Jane O'Callaghan, owner of Longueville House, his son Patrick and daughters Margaret (Edgerton), Elizabeth (Jeffries) and Josephine (Wyse).

His legacy will be the new research facility at Moorepark opened last year by Minister Simon Coveney and named in his honour.

Leading the tributes at the memorial service on Tuesday was his son Patrick who recalled many fond memories of his father including his love of the countryside, his passion for horseriding and his life-long interest in gardening. His sister Joyce Maguire paid warm tribute to her brother describing him as a progressive, enlightened and far-seeing individual who cared deeply about his family and possessed a great sense of fun, especially in his interactions with his grandchildren.

Michael Berkery, a close confidante of Paddy's, also shared his memories, saying he had a huge appetite for life, an insatiable hunger for learning and an ability to mentor and encourage those around him.

In a characteristically unselfish act, Paddy donated his body to science.

To his sorrowing wife and family, we extend our deepest sympathy.

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