Each month, we focus the spotlight on a Tirlán employee. For our July edition, we’re talking to Róisín McManus, Farm Sustainability Development Advisor

Raised on a dairy farm just outside Tullamore in County Offaly, Róisín’s path into agriculture was both organic and purposeful. “Growing up on a dairy farm sparked my interest in studying Agriculture at college. In 2021, I graduated from UCD with a Level 8 bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science, specialising in Animal and Crop Production,” she shared.

Her academic path took her far afield – literally. As part of her undergraduate placement, Róisín worked on two large-scale dairy farms in New Zealand, an experience that deepened her commitment to dairy production. That passion led her to a research master’s through the Walsh Scholarships Programme, in collaboration with UCD and Teagasc. “My research title was ‘Achieving improvements in water quality through targeted organic manure storage advice’, under the guidance of the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme Manager, Noel Meehan. During my Master’s, I worked as an advisor at Teagasc Nenagh, which gave me my first real insight into the role of an agricultural advisor.”

After completing her Master’s, Róisín joined Dairygold as a sustainability advisor before bringing her expertise to Tirlán in June 2024. Now part of the sustainability team, she covers the midlands catchment area.

Róisín’s role is a dynamic blend of farmer facing and desk-based. “I really like the balance between farmer-facing and then obviously being desk-based. I love the interaction with farmers – I can always learn something new from them,” she said. Her commitment to building strong relationships with suppliers is evident: “It means a lot when a farmer feels comfortable reaching out for advice. It’s about more than just a one-off interaction.”

Her time at Tirlán has been marked by collaboration and opportunity. “Everyone’s been very welcoming – it’s always really helpful to learn from other styles of advisory,” she said of her team. She’s also had the chance to represent Tirlán at a number of events, including Bloom in Phoenix Park and the Dairy Industry Ireland stand at the Tullamore Show. “I gained valuable exposure and insight.”

Róisín is particularly passionate about sustainability challenges and opportunities. She highlighted the €60 million Farming for Water EIP funding as a key driver of engagement. “We have an opportunity to showcase suppliers that are doing everything in their stride, environmentally, and we also have an opportunity now to increase engagement through offering funding to implement measures positive to restoring and protecting water quality.”

Balancing a busy schedule is second nature to Róisín, who juggles advisory work with helping on both her home and partner’s dairy farms. “Time management is really important,” she advised. Outside of work, she finds balance through running and is currently training for the Dublin City Marathon with her local running club.
With her deep roots in farming, academic rigour and a clear-eyed view of sustainability, Róisín McManus exemplifies the spirit of Tirlán – grounded, driven and future-focused.