Each month, we put the spotlight on a Tirlán employee and for our August newsletter, we’re talking to Lisa O’Rourke, Employee Communication Specialist

As a native of Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny, I joined Tirlán’s HR team as an Employee Communication Specialist at the start of this year. I have learned a lot since joining the team, not only about Tirlán itself, but also about the significant role employee communications can play in promoting a positive workplace.

Leveraging my degree in Marketing, I enjoy the creative challenges of my role. These include delivering messaging across all of our digital and in-person communication channels. I’m proud of my work which can be viewed across our digital screens, on sites, in employee email bulletins, on our Tirlán Intranet or occasionally through our internal social media platform, Viva Engage.

Each day at Tirlán offers me a new opportunity to develop communications which will resonate with our people, whether that’s to inform, a call to action, or a nudge to engage in a conversation and learn more about a specific topic or initiative. I’d consider myself as someone who thrives in a sociable environment. I value the opportunity to collaborate with others across roles, teams, sites and countries! No two communications projects are the same and I love the opportunity to contribute across a broad range of initiatives, helping to bring them to life for our employees.

It is important to me that our communications are impactful, and whilst all news is not necessarily good news, I still feel our team can make a positive impact by promoting trusted, transparent and authentic communications – all the while promoting a positive outlook.

Following the warm reception I’ve experienced since joining the Tirlán team these past few months, I am filled with gratitude and enthusiasm for the role I can play in connecting people through inclusive communications across our business.

As if starting a new job this year wasn’t enough, I have also been selected to represent Kilkenny in the Rose of Tralee festival and fulfilling the role of Kilkenny Rose for a two-year period.

Since that momentous night when I became the Kilkenny Rose, it’s been a non-stop stream of events, ranging from charity functions and social gatherings to promotional activities for the festival. A particularly proud moment for me was the honour of serving as the Relay for Life Kilkenny ambassador for 2024, supporting the Irish Cancer Society – a cause deeply personal to me and my family.

My decision to participate in the Rose of Tralee comes from the immense pride I have for my home county of Kilkenny, for the values our communities uphold, and for the chance to honour my family’s unwavering support for me in such an impactful way. People have asked me how I feel about the exposure that goes with the role and whether I’m daunted by standing on such a public stage. But, as someone who has participated in musicals and pantos in Kilkenny from a very young age, I’m no stranger to the stage!

Tirlán’s Kilkenny credentials are well known and the encouragement and support I have received from my Tirlán colleagues means the world to me and I will be forever grateful.