A Portarlington man with an unwavering love for farming that shaped his life was remembered at a function last night (Friday, January 24) at which over €20,000 was presented to the Irish Cancer Society.
The late Thomas Fingleton was recalled as a man of great kindness, generosity and humour known for his hard work and dedication in all aspects of farming and his community. Tragically he lost his life at just 40 years of age to lung cancer on September 6, 2024.
Remembering his willingness to help others, his infectious spirit and his love for the land, Portarlington branch of IFA ran a fundraiser for the Irish Cancer Society in his memory.
David Fennelly, chair of the branch said: “Thomas worked as an accountant and ran a busy mixed beef and tillage farm with his father Dan.
“Thomas passed away in the prime of his life, newly married, with his first child on the way.
“He is deeply missed by his wife, Claire, his father, Dan and mother, Lillie, as well as his siblings, Ciaran and Melissa, wider family, friends and community.”
He added that Thomas was a generous man and donated regularly to the Irish Cancer Society throughout his life, and Portarlington branch of IFA would like to continue to give to this worthy cause on his behalf.
“Thomas’ cancer was rare and aggressive, but through the work and research carried out by the Irish Cancer Society, a drug was developed that helps the type of cancer Thomas had.
“This drug gave Thomas 10 extra days with his family, and although it was not nearly long enough, he was grateful for this time,” said Fennelly.
IFA Portarlington
The chair added: “IFA was a huge part of Thomas’ life, particularly in recent years, having recently served as chairman and vice-chairman of the Portarlington branch.
“As a thank you to for his dedication to the local farming community and the Irish Cancer Society and to further help their work and research for people and their families affected by cancer, Portarlington IFA has organised a donation to the Irish Cancer Society in his honour.
“We have been running an iDonate page for the past six weeks and over €20,000 has been raised. The social evening celebrated the positive action in Thomas’ memory.”
Both the Fingleton family and Portarlington IFA have been overwhelmed by the generous support by IFA, local agri businesses and the wider circle of the farming community, relatives, friends, and neighbours of Thomas, Fennelly said.