The Late Jim Bennett The death occurred recently of the late Jim Bennett and it was with great regret that the local community heard of his passing. Jim of J.& T. Bennett Agricultural Contractors, Cloghan, was known the length and breadth of Offaly and surrounding counties. J.&T. Bennett Agricultural Contractors are reported to have worked and travelled in many midland counties, Kildare, Tipperary, Westmeath, Laois and across the Shannon in Galway and Roscommon. Jim and his brother who were known in the early 70s as the "Combine Specialists", started their agricultural business in January 30, 1953, and built the business through hard and tireless work for a total of 50 years. During the half century Jim and Tom Bennett created employment for men from Cloghan, Rahan, Pallas, Leamore and Ballyboy. The men who drove for Jim and Tom were allocated a specific machine and that they alone would drive and maintain that machine. During the 70s J.&T. Bennett Agricultural Contractors combine harvesters were a common sight on roads throughout the midlands. One story is told of a convoy of 6 combine harvesters which made its way from Roscommon through the narrow streets of Athlone, each flying flags in support of Offaly who were playing in the All Ireland senior football final that September. All through his working life, Jim lived up to their motto, "We will cater for you, whether your job is big or small." At their peak in the mid to late 70s, J.&T. Bennett Agricultural Contractors had 11 combine harvesters and 6 tractors out on contract work, which reportedly made J.&T. Bennett Agricultural Contractors the largest agricultural contractors not alone in Ireland but also in Europe. Harvest Machinery presented Jim with a Gold Pin in recognition of the fact that he was the largest buyer of combine harvesters in the 1970s. Apart from agricultural machinery, Jim and Tom also provided hackney and mini bus service. Many a tale is told of the various services provided by Jim and Tom, and many a story is told about contract with the Midland Health Board, the many trips to Croke Park, pilgrimages to Croagh Patrick and hackney services to the infamous carnivals and ballrooms throughout the Midlands at the time. In 1971 Jim Bennett was one of the founding members of the West Offaly Contractors Association , which established a standard price structure for agricultural contracts. Jim Bennett continued to work in agricultural contracting until ill health dictated that he slow down. Even then, loyalty to long standing customers meant he honoured contracts by organising machines from his sick bed, buying his last combine harvester from Fred Jenkins in Bagnelstown, just months before his death. The familiar sight of Jim on one of his tractors to a job will be sadly missed. The integrity and character that was Jim Bennett will never be seen again. Jim is survived by his brother Thomas and sister Bridie (antique shop). May he rest in peace. Courtesy of The Offaly Express February 16 2005 Tweet

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