Farm Business Award winner encourages others to enter

The winner of last year's Offaly Farm Business Awards competition has encouraged others to enter the competition this year. Paddy Bracken from Raheen in Geashill entered a device for cleanly collecting ashes he came up with at the behest of his wife in last year's competition. The 2012 awards were launched earlier this week, with awards up for grabs in three categories. "I came up with the idea because my wife was on to me," farmer Paddy said, explaining his idea. The device he came up with collects ashes from stoves or cookers, and has a cover to ensure ashes doesn't get blown around the place when it's taken outside. Paddy's neighbours are all now proud owners, but it's not just a local audience that's impressed. "I showed them at Tullamore Show and there was great interest in them," Paddy said. "They work well, they're very simple and I can make them to the size of the ash tray you have in your cooker or stove," Paddy said, further explaining the galvanised steel product. Anyone interested in finding out more can call Paddy on 087 6211521. More information on the 2012 Offaly Farm Business Awards competition is available at www.offalyldc.ie or by calling 057 9322850.