Avonmore remains on top
Avonmore remains on top
Avonmore is the No. 1 dairy brand chosen by Irish shoppers
We are delighted to see that our brand Avonmore is the nation’s number one dairy brand and ranked as the number two top brand in Ireland, according to Kantar’s 2025 Brand Footprint report.
Mandy Hennebry, Director of Consumer Domestic Tirlán, said: “Avonmore’s continued success comes from its commitment to high quality products, a deep understanding of the consumer and continuous innovation to meet their needs with products like our new Protein Coffee product. Our range of value-added milk and food offerings, which leverage nutrition, functionality and taste, provide consumers with a wealth of nutritional benefits for every life stage and lifestyle.”
The Kantar Data is sourced from 5,000 demographically representative Irish households recording their take home grocery and covers over 200 Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) categories, which are recorded by Kantar on a continuous basis.
“This report is about more than just who came first. It is a snapshot of what matters to Irish consumers right now. The brands that succeed are the ones that keep evolving, keep listening and keep delivering what their shoppers are really looking for,” said Emer Healy, Business Development Director at Kantar.
Commenting on the announcement, Linda Sheehan Head of Consumer Marketing Tirlán, said: “I am incredibly proud of the Avonmore brand for achieving this remarkable accomplishment in such a highly competitive environment. This success is a testament to the passion, dedication and teamwork of every member of the Tirlán team. Congratulations to all involved with this brand and thank you for your unwavering commitment to excellence.”
Enjoyed by families nationwide for over 50 years, the Avonmore brand continues to grow in popularity. Avonmore’s expertise in dairy extends across milk, cream, soup and butter, with key growth products including Avonmore Super Milk, Avonmore Protein Milk, Avonmore Protein Coffee and Avonmore Whipped Cream. The brand’s continued success is built on sustained investment, strong partnerships with customers and an unwavering focus on delivering consistently high-quality, great-tasting products to consumers.
Irish consumers are among the highest consumers of fresh milk in the world. Avonmore milk is a rich source of protein, with a 250ml glass of Avonmore Fresh Milk providing 37% of the recommended intake of Calcium and 30% of the recommended intake for Vitamin B12.
Chewing the Cud with… Orla Dwyer
Chewing the Cud with… Orla Dwyer
This month we caught up with Orla Dwyer, Talent Development Manager at Tirlán, to hear about her journey, her role and what’s ahead for people and leadership development
Orla is originally from Clonmel, Co Tipperary, “home of the All-Ireland Hurling champions,” she proudly notes. Orla joined Tirlán nearly two years ago after almost two decades in the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industry. “It was a big change,” she says, “but I’m really glad I made the move. It’s opened up a whole new world of experiences and people.”
Since joining, Orla has seen her team evolve from Talent Management to the broader People Experience team, now encompassing Talent and Leadership Development, Performance, Wellness, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I), Engagement and Communication and more. She’s especially passionate about DE&I and values the cross-functional collaboration that’s now part of her day-to-day. Her role spans to develop skills, teams and careers and she leads our graduate programme, Unearth Your Future. onboarding and final graduations. She’s co-designed and launched our New Leader Programme along with her People Experience and HR colleagues and also leads our Coaching Leader Programme and culture. She also manages our suite of Thrive courses.
Looking ahead, Orla is excited about a refreshed and re-energised approach to our coaching culture. “We’re planning to deliver all coaching refreshers in a focused week,” she explains. “But more importantly, we want to re-energise coaching across the organisation, reminding everyone of the power it holds to elevate development, inclusion, wellbeing, performance and leadership.”
August will see the first-ever Graduate Capstone event, celebrating the achievements of the inaugural cohort. “They’ve done so much – from leadership and DE&I modules to two full rotations,” Orla says. “It’s been amazing to see the support they’ve received across the business. Anytime I ask someone to mentor or speak, the answer is always yes.”
The graduate programme recently earned a Silver Award at the GradIreland Graduate Awards, an impressive feat for a first-time entrant. “It’s a testament to the hard work of so many people,” Orla says. “We’re already looking ahead to welcoming 18 new grads this September.”
When asked what she loves most about working at Tirlán, Orla doesn’t hesitate: “It’s the people. The support I’ve received has been incredible. Everyone’s been so generous with their time and knowledge, it’s made the last two years fly.”
Outside of work, Orla is a proud Munster Rugby season ticket holder, a yoga enthusiast and a keen traveller. She truly embodies our value of “Empower and Go” – she makes things happen, coaches others for growth and champions a culture where people feel supported, trusted and inspired to thrive.
Nitrates derogation update
Nitrates derogation update
Tirlán continues to advocate for the retention of the nitrates derogation
Our Chairperson John Murphy joined Irish co-ops in Brussels recently to call for certainty and clarity for Ireland’s sustainable model of grass-based dairy production and the future of Ireland’s Nitrates Derogation.
A series of meetings with Ireland’s EU Commissioner Michael McGrath, Irish MEPs and senior officials from the EU Council and Commission took place as Budget Day protests were on the streets outside the Parliament to highlight concerns over changes to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) fund for food production.
Alongside ICOS, Dairy Industry Ireland and other Irish Co-ops, we are continuing to advocate on the importance of delivering a retention of the derogation for Ireland and will continue to keep Co-op suppliers and all team’s informed as the process progresses.
10 awards for Tirlán cheese
10 awards for Tirlán cheese
Our Cheddar was honoured at the 2025 International Cheese & Dairy Awards!
We’re delighted to share that Tirlán was awarded 10 medals at the 2025 International Cheese & Dairy Awards, an event that drew over 4,700 entries from across the globe — making it one of the most competitive years yet.
Among the highlights, cheddar produced by Tirlán at our Ballyragget facility earned two of the top honours at the event:
- The Kerrygold Cup – awarded for the Best Cheddar in Ireland
- The DSM Trophy – awarded for the Best Vintage Cheddar
This achievement is a true testament to the quality, care and expertise behind our products.
A special thanks to Gerry Warren, our expert Cheese Grader, whose expert selection played a key role in this success.
Bringing Ingredients to Life
Bringing Ingredients to Life
Our Ingredients Team shines at IFT FIRST in Chicago
Our Ingredients team recently returned to Chicago for their second appearance at the IFT FIRST (Food Improved by Research Science and Technology) tradeshow, one of North America’s largest gatherings of science and ingredient professionals. With over 1,000 exhibitors and 17,000+ attendees, the event offered a dynamic platform to explore innovation, connect with industry leaders and showcase Tirlán’s cutting-edge ingredient solutions.
Representing both our Dairy and Oatstanding™ portfolios, the team engaged new and existing customers with a range of interactive samples that brought our ingredients to life. The presence of colleagues from Sales, Marketing, Category and R&D highlighted the power of cross-functional collaboration and the strength of our unified approach.
Their efforts not only elevated Tirlán’s visibility, but also reinforced our commitment to innovation and partnership in the global ingredients space. Well done to all involved.
Supporting our farming community
Supporting our farming community
Tirlán donated €5,000 to Embrace FARM for this year’s Farm Safety Week
As part of our ongoing commitment to the wellbeing of our farming community, we were proud to support Farm Safety Week, which took place on the 21st – 25th July. This week offered a vital opportunity to highlight the importance of farm safety, prevent accidents and promote awareness of key risks on farms.
We urged farmers to prioritise farm safety every day and delivered a €5,000 donation to support the charity Embrace FARM on Farm Safety Week 2025.
The donation, presented at our Abbey Quarter Collaboration Hub, will directly support the organisation’s expanding services for over 600 families nationwide. Embrace FARM is Ireland’s leading support network for farm families affected by sudden death and serious injury.
John Murphy, Tirlán Chairperson, said: “On Farm Safety Week, we’re urging our suppliers to look at their farm with fresh eyes and ensure their workplace environment is as safe as possible every single day of the year to protect them and their families.”
“Behind every statistic that we hear about in the news, there is a family. Embrace FARM provides help and strength to these families during the darkest times. Our Co-op is supporting the organisation on behalf of our farmers with much needed funding in 2025 just as we have in years past.”
Founded by Tirlán suppliers Brian and Norma Rohan, Embrace FARM has grown into a vital support system for families navigating the aftermath of farm tragedies. From one-to-one counselling and peer support groups to legal and financial consultations, the organisation provides tailored care to those facing life-altering events.
Lisa Tierney, Communications Support Coordinator at Embrace FARM, added: “Each family’s journey is as unique as the loss they’ve faced. The continued support from Tirlán helps us walk beside them in that journey, on their terms and in their time. It’s more than financial support, it’s a partnership built on compassion and shared values.”
With the average cost of support per family totalling €2,165, consistent funding is critical – especially in agriculture, which remains Ireland’s most dangerous workplace sector. This year’s funding will help Embrace FARM expand its expert-led services and reach even more families in need.
Peddling for hope
Peddling for hope
Our Tour de Tirlán team are pedalling for hope, one charity at a time
Each September, the Tour de Tirlán brings together colleagues from across Tirlán to cycle for a cause and the impact of those efforts is nothing short of extraordinary. Since its launch 12 years ago, the annual charity cycle has raised over €476,000 for local and national charities, transforming lives and communities across Ireland.
Last year, one of our chosen charities was the Aiséirí Aislinn Centre in Ballyragget, a residential treatment centre supporting teenagers aged 14-18 who are struggling with addiction. Thanks to the funds raised by our employees, the centre was able to install a new heating system, upgrade gym equipment and improve lighting in their PE room creating a warmer, more welcoming space for young people on their journey to recovery.
When Barbara Brown and Marypaula Kelly visited the centre, they were deeply moved by what they saw. “I was blown away by the warmth of the people working there and the young boys themselves,” Barbara shared. “It reminded me of the Father McGrath Centre, full of hope, healing and heart.” She described the centre as a lifeline for teens who often arrive with nothing, many of whom have faced poverty, trauma and a lack of role models. With early intervention and the right support, the outcomes can be life-changing.
This year, the Tour de Tirlán committee has set an ambitious goal: to raise €85,000 in support of three incredible charities – our charity partner Aware, the Fr. McGrath Centre Kilkenny and the Amber Women’s Refuge. This year’s charity cycle takes place on Friday, 5th September, and offers four route options, including a 45km eBike-friendly route for those who want to join the fun without owning a bike.
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just looking for a bit of craic, there’s a place for everyone. So, why not saddle up and be part of something bigger? Your participation helps fund vital services and brings hope to those who need it most.
Register now and join us in making a difference, one kilometre at a time.
Bike hire
Tour de Tirlán 2025 will take place on Friday, 5th September, offering a range of cycling routes: 45km, 100km, 140km, and 185km to suit all levels. Participants can now opt to complete the 45km route using an eBike, available for hire at €30 by contacting Barbara Browne at bbrowne@tirlan.ie.
Dates for your diary
An information session will be held on Thursday, 7th August at 10am, and weekly training spins are now taking place every Wednesday to support those preparing for the 45km and 100km routes.
Register by August 15th to guarantee a jersey
Powering Ballyragget
Powering Ballyragget
We’ve turned the sod on our solar farm to power our largest production facility
We are delighted to officially commence work on a major renewable energy project at our largest, multi-purpose integrated dairy facility in Ballyragget.
The 6.5 hectare, 8 MWp ground-mounted solar farm is being delivered in partnership with ESB’s Smart Energy Services and is expected to be completed in early 2026. It will reduce the site’s carbon footprint and its reliance on grid electricity. The solar farm will be a “behind-the-meter” self-generation project, meaning all energy produced will be consumed directly at the Ballyragget facility.
Well done to all involved in this project to date especially the Ops and Supply Chain, Ballyragget Operations, ESG, Procurement and Engineering teams.