This month, we’re heading to West Waterford to shine a spotlight on someone who has truly come full circle in his journey with Tirlán

Jamie O’Brien first joined the Dungarvan branch in 2015 as a branch assistant, before taking on management roles in Windgap, Ballyhale and Kilmeaden. Today, he finds himself back where it all began, now serving as Area Manager for West Waterford, overseeing four branches and two members of the sales team on the road. It is a role full of variety, energy and unpredictability. As he puts it, no two days are ever the same. One moment he might be dealing with a frozen pipe, the next coordinating the delivery of 30 tonnes of fertiliser across the county. He enjoys the mix, a blend of branch work, sales, customer interactions and operational support, but he’s quick to highlight the strong teams around him as the real reason everything runs as smoothly as it does.

Jamie’s return to Dungarvan couldn’t have come at a more exciting time, as the branch undergoes a major redevelopment that will almost double its retail space. Demolition began this week on part of the existing store, which will be replaced with a brand-new building and accompanied by a complete refurbishment of the current shop. Two new polytunnels have already been installed for the garden centre, the upstairs offices are being upgraded, and plans are in motion for a new coffee experience that will enhance the customer offering even further. If progress continues at this pace, the team hopes to cut the ribbon by September.

The impact of this redevelopment is already being felt across the community. The site, which Jamie describes as the best location in Dungarvan, has garnered support from farmers, garden centre customers and local businesses alike. People have been approaching him to say how delighted they are to see the investment and how important it is for the region. The transformation has required significant effort behind the scenes, particularly from the staff who moved operations into a temporary marquee while the works began. Jamie speaks with real pride about the way everyone pulled together, with no complaints and a shared determination to get the job done. In the end, he says, they will have a store that staff can be proud to work in, with better facilities, more space and a secure future in a location that generations to come may benefit from.

The redevelopment holds personal meaning for Jamie too. Having spent much of his childhood in Dungarvan, with early memories of visiting the old co-op with his father, being part of such a major project in the town feels like a full-circle moment in more ways than one. He admits, not without pride, that there will be no store like it when the works are completed. “My mother’s from Dungarvan and I grew up coming here. To be involved in something this big now is something I’m really proud of.

The significance of the project is echoed by others involved. Growth Development Manager Robert Kehoe describes the redevelopment as an investment in the long-term strength of the branch network and a clear commitment to maintaining the high standards of service and expertise that customers expect from Tirlán. Head of Regional Sales for the South, Pat Ryan, sees Dungarvan as a flagship branch for the future,  a development that strengthens support for farmers, customers and the wider community while underscoring Tirlán’s dedication to the region.

With so many moving parts across four branches, Jamie credits his experience in both small rural stores and larger operations for helping him manage the varied demands of the role. Trusting his managers and sales teams is key, and he believes in giving people the space to do their jobs while being there to support them when needed. It’s a philosophy that makes his day-to-day more manageable and enables him to stay focused on major projects like the one in Dungarvan.

Outside of work, Jamie remains close to his roots. Originally from Slieverue and now living in Kilmeaden with his wife Eimear and two young sons Darragh and Cillian, he finds joy in the normality of family life. The boys keep him busy, and he says it’s easy to switch off from work when you walk through the door to be greeted by a Paw Patrol. When he does find some spare time, he enjoys running and is currently training for the Dublin Marathon later this year, his first time taking on the event.

When asked about his favourite part of working in Tirlán, Jamie shared a moment that captures what his work truly means to him. “When I’m in a shop with my four-year-old son and he sees cartons of milk or different products, he always goes to the back and sees the Tirlán sign. He says, ‘That’s your work, Daddy.’ That makes me grateful to know that what I do makes a genuine difference, and being able to make my children proud of my work is something I will never take for granted.”

With the redevelopment well underway and a busy year ahead across the region, Jamie is focused on keeping things moving and supporting his teams through the next phase. The project in Dungarvan marks a significant step for the area and Jamie is proud to play his part in bringing it to life.