Proud recognition of Mayo man Pádraig Gibbons' dedication and leadership
Pádraig Gibbons, one of the most influential and respected figures in the Irish co-operative movement over the past three decades, has been awarded the Plunkett Award for Co-operative Endeavour, the highest national honour presented by the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS).
Mr. Gibbons received the award, accompanied by his wife Marian and children Paul, Alan, Patrick, Mark, Micheál and Donna, at a ceremony in the Plunkett House in Dublin, attended by the president and board of ICOS and colleagues from Aurivo co-operative.
The award is named after Sir Horace Plunkett, founder of the Irish co-operative movement in 1889.
The award citation recognises Mr. Gibbons for his ‘selfless dedication, visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the co-operative cause’.
Mr. Gibbons, from Westport, was nominated for the award by Aurivo Co-operative.
He has contributed 32 years of voluntary service to the co-operative sector, including 28 years on the board of NCF/Connacht Gold/Aurivo, serving 12 years as chairman.
He also served as President of ICOS from 2005 to 2007, becoming the first West of Ireland person to hold the role.
He was instrumental in major structural developments, including the merger of Kiltoghert Co-op and North Connacht Farmers Co-op in 2000 and their transformation into Connacht Gold, subsequently becoming today’s Aurivo, including the acquisition in 2012 of Donegal Creameries, in developments widely credited to his negotiation and diplomacy skills.
Today, Aurivo co-operative supports over 2,000 farm families in the west of Ireland.
As chair of Aurivo, Gibbons also oversaw major governance reform that adjusted the co-operative’s board from 60 to 16 members, and guided the consolidation of its mart network from eight to four.
He also oversaw a strategic diversification of the co-operative’s extensive retail operations, helping to stabilise revenues amid volatile global markets and strengthening Aurivo’s ability to return a competitive milk prices to farm families.
Mr. Gibbons retired from the board of Aurivo in 2022.
His wider contribution has extended nationally through service over the years on the boards of Teagasc, the National Dairy Council and the IFA National Council, as well as chairing several key appeals and implementation committees, including those for the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, Areas of Natural Constraint, the Land Parcel Identification System, and the Commonage Implementation Committee.
He also played a leading role in establishing the European Livestock Markets Association.
ICOS President Edward Carr said: “Pádraig has been a transformative leader whose vision, integrity and commitment have strengthened both Aurivo and the wider co-operative sector.
"His lifelong dedication marks the very best of the co-operative tradition and I warmly congratulate him for his immense contribution and achievements.
"Pádraig’s steady leadership during times of change helped to steer complex decisions with clarity, fairness and an unwavering focus on members’ long-term interests.
"He has always exemplified the principle that co-operatives succeed when people work together with energy, integrity and a shared sense of purpose.”
Pádraig Gibbons said: “I have always believed in the power of co-operation to deliver real, meaningful change.
"Whether it was strengthening our business or representing farmers at national and European level, my aim is always to ensure that the people who produce our food could rely on strong, modern, well-run co-operatives that put their interests first.
"I have been privileged to work with outstanding people who share the same values. This award is a recognition of all of them too. The co-operative tradition we have inherited is one of Ireland’s greatest strengths, and it is our duty to pass it on stronger than we found it.”