Latest news with #FBDInsurance
Sunday World
22-06-2025
- Sunday World
Man who got €167k after losing toes in lawnmower accident lied about where it happened
Gerald Guidera told the court he had 'no way of paying the money back' A man who received €167,000 from an insurance company after he lost two toes in a lawnmower accident has avoided jail after it was revealed he lied about the location of the incident. Gerald Guidera (47), from Bianconi Way, Portlaoise, Co Laois, pleaded not guilty to deception at a trial in February this year. However, he was found guilty by a jury and appeared at Portlaoise Circuit Court yesterday for sentencing. Mr Guidera was involved in an accident with a hover mower back in 2012. He claimed it happened at a property in Clonkeen owned by his uncle-in-law, John Tynan. He was acting as caretaker and employed to maintain the house and garden. Mr Tynan, who has since died, was living in the UK at the time. The court heard how a home insurance policy was taken out on the house and garden in 2011. During a garda interview, Mr Guidera said he signed the proposal form on the policy 'on Mr Tynan's instructions'. In 2012, FBD Insurance was contacted about an accident at the house by a man purporting to be Mr Tynan. A claims adjustor for FBD, Noel Dwyer, spoke to who he believed to be Mr Tynan and was directed to go to that property to meet Mr Guidera to discuss the accident. The father-of-five claimed that he slipped due to the uneven surface and his foot came into contact with the lawnmower's blade. He had to have two toes amputated as a result of his injuries and FBD agreed to settle the claim for €130,000. A further sum of €37,000 was paid out after Mr Guidera contacted the insurer to say he needed more money to cover his expenses. Gerald Guidera had pleaded not guilty to deception. Photo: Mark Condren Co. Laois man who lost two toes in a lawnmower accident, has avoided jail. Six years later, Mr Tynan sought to make a claim on another policy with a different insurer in respect of a broken window at the Clonkeen property. While applying for this claim, the previous payout of €167,000 was referenced. Mr Tynan said this was the first he had heard about it. He subsequently made a data access request to FBD seeking information relating to the claim. Recordings of calls purportedly made by Mr Tynan were disclosed, and it transpired that it was in fact Mr Guidera who spoke on the phone, not Mr Tynan. At the time, Mr Guidera owned an equestrian training ground across the road from where the alleged the accident occurred, but there was no insurance cover in place. On the day of the accident, there were a number of spectators in the Clonkeen area watching a rally. Three witnesses gave statements saying they saw Mr Guidera using a lawnmower on the grassy banks around the paddocks of the equestrian area and later heard him shouting in pain. Following an investigation, FBD was satisfied that the accident had not occurred where he said it had, and the matter was referred to gardaí. This led to Mr Guidera being arrested in 2020, and charged with deception. Mr Tynan passed away before the trial so could not give evidence. The court heard how there had been a breakdown in their relationship over the years. Mr Guidera maintained he signed the insurance policy under Mr Tynan's instructions and denied he was never made aware of the FBD claim. Marc Thompson BL, acting for Mr Guidera, told the court that his client said the witnesses who saw him cutting the lawn on the paddocks had 'an axe to grind' and were 'acting out of malice'. Mr Thompson described his client as a 'family man' who previously played sport at a high level. Since the accident, he has suffered from mental health issues. He said his client does not have the means to repay the money to FBD. This has had a huge impact on my children. They are suffering The insurance company has initiated civil proceedings seeking repayment of €167,000. Mr Guidera asked if he could give evidence before Judge Keenan Johnson imposed his sentence. He broke down in the witness box, saying 'my life and health has gone downhill'. 'This has had a huge impact on my children. They are suffering at the moment as we speak. I have no way of paying the money back,' he told the court. Mr Thompson said his client was not in receipt of social welfare benefits as he does not qualify due to his wife's salary. He said he previously invested in property and had an equestrian business, but 'all that money was lost'. 'I've nothing,' he said. Judge Johnson described the deception as 'sophisticated'. He said the aggravating factors were the planned deception, his impersonation of Mr Tynan, and the fact FBD paid €167,000 as compensation. While Mr Guidera would have been entitled to money as the accident was genuine, he said FBD shouldn't have been liable. 'It's clear there was an accident and he suffered life-changing injuries,' Judge Johnson said. 'He has gained weight. He invested significant funds in Mr Tynan's property and he developed an equestrian arena. As a result of the fall out between them, all that money has been lost.' He said the offending was 'out of character' as he had no previous convictions. 'Desperate people do desperate things. The injury sustained was serious and life-changing. Out of desperation he saw nothing wrong with moving the location to where FBD could cover it. Insurance fraud is not without consequences. It increases costs for everyone 'People think committing fraud with an insurance company isn't the same as taking money out of someone's pocket, but in reality it is because it's impacting premium holders.' He said the court had to send out a 'clear message' that this type of activity won't be tolerated. He gave Mr Guidera a two-year sentence but fully suspended it for five years. He also ordered him to pay FBD €20,000 in five instalments over the next five years. Mr Guidera said he did not wish to comment following the court case. A spokesperson for FBD said: 'Insurance fraud is not without consequences. It increases costs for everyone and unfairly impacts honest policyholders. 'FBD Insurance is dedicated to upholding the integrity of our claims process and safeguarding the interests of all our customers'. Gerald Guidera had pleaded not guilty to deception. Photo: Mark Condren News in 90 Seconds - June 22nd
Irish Examiner
09-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Teagasc launches 'This is Dairying' photo competition 2025
Teagasc, with the support of FBD Insurance, is delighted to launch the "This is Dairying" photo competition in the lead-up to the Teagasc Moorepark Dairy Open Day, which is taking place in early July. Running throughout the month of June, this year's competition is an opportunity to capture and celebrate what makes Irish dairy farming so unique. The competition aims to highlight the pride, purpose and positivity within Irish dairying. Whether it's a moment on the family farm, a striking landscape, your favourite animal, or the next generation of farmers in action; every photo helps to tell the story of Irish dairying at its best. It provides an excellent opportunity for budding photographers and photo enthusiasts to get snapping while being in with a chance to win exciting prizes. Speaking at the launch of the competition, Prof Laurence Shalloo, the head of the Teagasc animal and grassland, research, and innovation programme, said: 'We're delighted to launch this initiative once again with thanks to support from FBD Insurance. Previous competitions have showcased the passion, care, and pride within the Irish dairy industry "We have seen some great creativity in previous competitions, and I'm looking forward to viewing the submissions in 2025.' Dr Conor Hogan, Teagasc people in dairy programme manager, added: 'This competition is about celebrating all that is positive in Irish dairying. "Sharing a single photo is a simple but powerful way for farmers, families, and the wider community to support and promote the dairy sector. We'd love to see entries from anyone involved in Irish dairying this June.' 'Positive side of dairy farming' FBD Insurance are sponsoring the €1,000 worth of prizes for the competition. Representing the firm, Mary B Dunphy added: 'At FBD, we're proud to support the return of the 'This is Dairying' photo competition for 2025. "It's a wonderful opportunity for farmers and their families to showcase the positive side of dairy farming. We always enjoy seeing life on the farm through their lens, and we look forward to this year's entries.' The photo competition runs until Wednesday, June 26, 2025. Winners will be announced at the Teagasc Moorepark Dairy Open Day, and photos will be displayed online and on the day. The overall winner will receive €500 (FBD hotel voucher) and a professional framing of their winning photograph. The first runner up will receive €300, and the two remaining finalists will each receive €100 in FBD Hotel vouchers. To enter, participants are asked to upload their photos through the online form at Read More Stephen Cadogan: Why every dairy farmer needs a cash buffer in 2025
Agriland
06-06-2025
- Business
- Agriland
Teagasc launches ‘This is Dairying' photo competition
Teagasc and FBD Insurance has launched the 'This is Dairying' photo competition in the lead-up to the Teagasc Moorepark Dairy Open Day, which takes place in early July, 2025. The competition will run throughout the month of June, and is an opportunity to capture and celebrate 'what makes Irish dairy farming so unique'. According to Teagasc, the aim of the competition is to highlight the pride, purpose and positivity within Irish dairying. It believes every photo helps to 'tell the story of Irish dairying at its best', and the competition provides an opportunity for budding photographers to 'get snapping' while being in with a chance to win exciting prizes. The head of the Teagasc animal and grassland research and innovation programme, Prof. Laurence Shalloo said: 'We're delighted to launch this initiative once again with thanks to support from FBD Insurance. 'Previous competitions have showcased the passion, care, and pride within the Irish dairy industry. We have seen some great creativity in previous competitions, and I'm looking forward to viewing the submissions in 2025,' Shalloo added. Teagasc Teagasc's people in dairy programme manager, Dr. Conor Hogan said: 'This competition is about celebrating all that is positive in Irish dairying. 'Sharing a single photo is a simple but powerful way for farmers, families, and the wider community to support and promote the dairy sector. We'd love to see entries from anyone involved in Irish dairying this June,' Hogan added. The competition is running until Wednesday, June 26, 2025, and the winners will be announced at the Teagasc Moorepark Dairy Open Day, and photos will be displayed online and on the day. The overall winner will receive €500 FBD Hotel voucher, and a professional framing of their winning photograph. The first runner up will receive €300, and two remaining finalists will be chosen to each receive €100 in FBD Hotel vouchers.
Agriland
23-05-2025
- Business
- Agriland
FBD Insurance supports food businesses with advertising fund
FBD Insurance has launched an Advertising Support Campaign worth €275,000 for 11 Irish small and medium-sized businesses, including food and drinks businesses, nationwide. The campaign, now in its second year, includes 11 SMEs spanning a variety of sectors including food, hospitality and retail from across the country. Each business will receive an advertising package valued at approximately €25,000. Each business taking part is an FBD customer and is benefitting from an advertising package placing them in a prime 'Out of Home' billboard location to ensure they can reach the largest possible audience. The advertising bundle also includes radio, print, video and digital advertising. Benoit Lorge of Lorge Chocolatier The 2025 participating SMEs supported by FBD Insurance include: Grand Barbers, Dublin; Table 45, Dublin; Farmfield Spa Escapes, Meath; Cavan Country Produce , Cavan ; , ; Connolly's Pub, Mayo; The Old Bank B&B Guesthouse, Limerick; Dingle Crystal, Kerry; Lorge Chocolatier, Kerry ; ; RDE Electrical Engineering, Tipperary; Rivescei, Tipperary; Ballykeefe Distillery, Kilkenny. Speaking about the campaign, head of marketing at FBD Insurance, Sharon Treanor said: 'At FBD Insurance, supporting our customers and local communities across all 34 of our branches is central to everything we do. 'SMEs are the backbone of Ireland's economy and society, and we are proud to continue highlighting the vital role they play. 'This advertising support campaign is about giving these businesses the visibility they deserve, helping them share their stories and reach more customers during what continues to be a challenging time for many small enterprises. 'Through this initiative, we aim to celebrate and raise awareness of the businesses, what they do and the value they bring to their local communities.'
Agriland
09-05-2025
- General
- Agriland
Roscrea-based beef finisher to host IGA event on June 10
The Irish Grassland Association's (IGA's) annual beef event is set to take place outside Roscrea, Co. Tipperary, on the farm of Tim Meagher (Eircode: E53 V054) on Tuesday, June 10. The beef farm walk is set to kick off at 6:30p.m and conclude at approximately 8:30p.m. Flame-grilled Irish beef burgers will be served from 6:00p.m onwards – before the farm walk kicks off. The event is sponsored by FBD Insurance. Ahead of the event, IGA council member and Elanco Animal Health's Niall Claffey caught up with the host farmer to find out more about his beef farming system. Tim, his wife Shauna, and their four children operate a store-to-beef system on the 88ha of grassland and 24ha of tillage on the farm, which has been in the Meaghers' family for generations. The old farm system The farm was a suckler-beef enterprise when Tim took over the reins, and he increased suckler cow numbers to 90. These cows were predominately Limousin and were crossed with a Charolais stock bull. Replacement heifers were ran with an Angus bull. Weanlings were also purchased from the west of Ireland. At the time, the farm was also home to roughly 200 breeding ewes. However, over a decade ago, Tim moved to simplify the operation and focused on changing to a traditional store-to-beef enterprise – prioritising on incorporating as much grass into the diet as possible. All cattle are purchased from marts in the west of Ireland ,with a clear emphasis on buying-in quality cattle to the beef enterprise. Current beef system on the farm Heifers and bullocks are bought in September and October each year weighing in the 500-520kg weight bracket. These are then finished the following year from July to October as they come fit for slaughter. All cattle are slaughtered under 30 months-of-age. Some of the key figures are as follows: Number of cattle on farm: 250; Bullocks: 160; Heifers: 90; Number of paddocks: 43; Number of cattle/grazing group: 40-50. Strip wires are also used to achieve desired clean outs and to manage paddocks correctly. In the springtime, all cattle are grouped according to age to ensure easy management during the summer grazing period. To reduce the farms' dependence on purchased meal, 24ha of spring barley is sown on the farm each year. This grain is fed to the finishing cattle at grass along with soya hulls and minerals. The straw is baled at harvest and used to bed cattle over the winter months. Silage clover and animal health The farm has a big focus on making high-quality silage as winter feed. The aim is to produce silage with a dry matter digestibility (DMD) of 75% or above. High-quality silage available over the winter reduces the need for bought-in concentrates on the farm. Due to the difficult weather conditions in 2024, silage quality ranged from 68% to 73% DMD on the three cuts harvested last year. Tim started reseeding with clover in the early 2000s, and now both red and white clover play a pivotal role in both silage production and the grazing platform. Since incorporating clover into the system, he has reduced his dependence on chemical nitrogen (N), while not negatively impacting the amount of beef sold off the farm. Animal health protocols are strictly adhered to on the farm with a vaccination programme in place and and dosing is carried out as required. Tim has invested in a state-of-the-art handling facility to manage animals efficiently and safely. A slurry aeration system is used to agitate slurry on the farm, which is beneficial from a health and safety point of view and eliminates the need for agitation. Speaking ahead of the event, Trish O'Halloran from FBD Insurance said: 'At FBD, we're delighted to support the IGA Beef Event again in 2025. 'We recognise the important role that events like this play in fostering innovation, and collaboration within the farming community. 'Knowledge sharing and education empowers farmers to develop and maintain efficient, sustainable beef production systems, ensuring the continued success and global competitiveness of Ireland's beef industry for years to come.'
