Celebrating our leading suppliers

On Monday 27th April, we hosted the Tirlán Dairy & Sustainability Awards 2026, a key event in the Tirlán calendar that celebrates excellence, innovation and leadership among our milk suppliers.

It was a hugely positive day, bringing together farmers, judges and colleagues, and celebrating the high standards being achieved every day across our supply base.

Award winners for 2026

Overall Milk Suppliers of the Year
Shane & Kate Fitzgerald, Portlaw, Co. Waterford
Portlaw, Co Waterford based couple Shane and Kate Fitzgerald were named Tirlán Milk Suppliers of the Year. They also received the Farming Ambassador Award, recognising their leadership, innovation and commitment to producing high quality milk sustainably while actively promoting the wider dairy sector in Ireland.

Shane and Kate Fitzgerald operate a highly efficient, grass based dairy system with approximately 200 spring calving Holstein Friesian cows. Sustainability and performance are central to their approach, underpinned by ongoing investment, strong grassland management and a clear focus on animal welfare.

Passionate advocates for Irish dairy, they regularly open their farm to the public and industry groups, demonstrating how productive, profitable farming can go hand in hand with environmental responsibility and community engagement.

Congratulating all the award recipients, Tirlán Chief Executive Officer Seán Molloy said: “The farmers we are celebrating today represent the very best of our Co-op. Their willingness to embrace innovation, improve sustainability and share their experiences sets a powerful example across our supply base. While the past spring has been a challenging one on farms, the resilience and professionalism of our members gives us great confidence for the future. Tirlán remains fully committed to supporting our suppliers as they continue to build strong, sustainable family farms for generations to come.”

Regional Award Winners

• South: Aherne Family, Shanawalla Farms, Stradbally, Co. Waterford
• West: Tom & Bill Gaffney, Tullaroan, Co. Kilkenny
• East: Seamus Byrne, Athy, Co. Kildare
• North: Tim, Gillian & Roisin Fitzgerald, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois
• Northern Ireland: Hugh Harbison, Aghadowey, Coleraine, Co. Derry

Category Award Winners

• Milk Solids Growth Champion: Dan O’Reilly, Stonefield Farms, Kells, Co. Meath
• Avonmore Fresh Milk Supplier of the Year: Amanda & John Mooney, Reynoldstown Farm Partnership, Ashford, Co. Wicklow
• Sustainability Champion: Seamus Brennan, Attanagh, Co. Laois
• Farming Ambassadors: Shane & Kate Fitzgerald, Portlaw, Co. Waterford
• Young Farmers: David Fogarty & Katie O’Toole, Cantwellscourt, Co. Kilkenny
• New Entrant: Conor Wynne, Newbridge, Co. Kildare

We were also proud to recognise the vital contribution made by our milk drivers through the Milk Driver Recognition Award. This year’s recipient was Mike Ryan of William Byrne Transport, following nominations made by farmers across the co‑op.

Collaborating for Success

Behind the scenes, the awards were made possible by a significant cross‑functional effort.

The internal working group led the screening process, with Eoin O’Riordan, Bryan Harte, Matthew Moylan, Ed Colgan and Ella Ronayne involved. The external judging process was supported by Joris Somers, working closely with Pat Murphy and Siobhan Walsh. The Corporate Affairs team played a key role in coordination and communications throughout.

The day itself also reflected the wider Tirlán contribution with great care and pride shown across the business, from the dessert and Chocolate Cup created by Barry Foley and Patrick O’Mara, to the flower arrangements prepared by Helena Kelly and Joe Kelly in Tirlán CountryLife, Monasterevin.

The Dairy & Sustainability Awards continue to be an important way for us to recognise the people behind our success – our suppliers – and to reinforce the standards, ambition and pride that underpin Tirlán.