Sunday July 8th 2018 saw the people of Toor, Rearcross, Co. Tipperary come out in force to remember one of Toor’s most famous sons Dr. Henry Kennedy, Chief Executive of the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society for nearly 40 years and Director of Electricity Supply Board from its foundation in 1927 until 1967.
Henry was born in 1888 in the townsland of Glencroe to John and Julia Kennedy – the 6th child in a family of 9. He progressed through the Crescent College in Limerick to University College Dublin where he received an M.A and D.Sc. in mathematical science. Dr. Kennedy quickly established a reputation as a visionary with clear views on the future of Irish agriculture. The fledgling Irish Free State was quick to appreciate the foresight and qualities of Dr. Henry- hence his executive role with IAOS for 37 years and Directorship of E.S.B. for 40 years.
As 2018 marked the 50th anniversary of his death in 1968, Toor Tidy Towns Committee in conjunction with the Irish Kennedy Heritage Group with support from FBD Trust and ICOS decided that a plaque in memory of Dr. Henry should be unveiled in the village of Toor.
Sorcha Flannery, Michael Kennedy, IKHG and Michael Berkery F.B.D.Trust ready to unveil plaque in memory of Dr. Henry Kennedy
“A Mountainy Man Large in Stature
And Ability
His illustrious achievements at the
Highest levels considerably improved
The conditions of farmers,
Co-Operatives and the livelihoods of
The people in Newly Independent
Ireland.”
