Each month, we focus the spotlight on a Tirlán employee. For our June edition, we’re talking Rory Hannon, Key Account Manager in Specialised Nutrition Ingredients

From the lush fields of Wexford to the vibrant coast of Waterford, Rory Hannon has always felt at home in the great outdoors. Now settled in Waterford for over a decade, Rory enjoys the balance of city life, coastal charm and the natural beauty of the Comeragh Mountains and the Greenway. With a background rooted in dairy farming, his passion for the industry runs deep.

Rory’s professional journey began in the meat industry, where he joined a graduate programme and later moved into a meat trading role. “It’s a tough industry,” he reflects, “but I learned a huge number of commercial skills that I still rely on today.”

Today, Rory is a Key Account Manager in Tirlán’s specialised nutrition team, focusing on value-added protein solutions for the medical nutrition sector. “It’s a challenging role,” he says, “especially with the constant global uncertainty, but finding solutions and innovating with our customers is incredibly rewarding.”

What drives Rory in his role? “The people,” he says without hesitation. “There’s a great willingness to support and help each other.” He thrives on the variety of his work – balancing day-to-day sales with long-term growth strategies, and collaborating cross-functionally to deliver real value to customers.

International travel is part of the job and Rory sees it as a privilege. “Meeting customers in their own markets builds stronger relationships and fosters trust. It gives us a better understanding of their needs and how we can serve them more effectively.”

He’s also excited about emerging trends, particularly the growing demand for high-protein, nutrient-dense products driven by the rise of GLP-1 drugs. “Tirlán is well positioned to meet this demand with our world-class milk and whey protein range,” he notes.

When it comes to hosting customers, Rory is a big fan of the Customer Experience Room at Abbey Quarter. “It’s a fantastic resource. The space allows us to hold formal meetings and live product demonstrations all in one place. It really showcases our investment in the future.”