All Irish tillage farmers will be saddened by the news that well-known Teagasc researcher John Finnan lost his life yesterday in a plane accident in Wexford.

John was born in Athy and had lived in Naas in recent years. He had grown up around agriculture and malting barley in particular, as his father, also John, had been manager in Minch Norton in Athy.

Highly respected

John was a senior research officer in Oak Park. He had specialised in energy crop research for years and more recently had moved to specialise in oat production, husbandry and physiology.

He had become highly knowledgeable in both disciplines and was highly respected in the farming community.

“He was a fantastic colleague and friend, and a mentor to many PhD students. It was an honour and privilege to have known and worked with John and we remember a colleague who impacted so positively on people’s lives”, said head of crops, environment and land use programme at Teagasc John Spink.

Our thoughts and prayers go to John's parents, sisters and family.