We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of our colleagues and shareholders who have graduated from various courses, showcasing their commitment to career progression, training and development

Retail Supervision Apprenticeship Graduates

Six of our retail branch colleagues have successfully completed the two-year Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision. This rigorous programme, which includes modules in operational management, finance, legal, health & safety, leadership and customer service, is designed to equip participants with the skills needed to excel in the retail industry.

The graduates have shown remarkable dedication and hard work, balancing their full-time roles with their studies. The apprenticeship required two in-person days and two online days per month, along with extensive project work aimed at making improvements in their respective branches. Their projects and newly acquired knowledge have already made significant contributions to our branch network, and they are eager to continue applying their skills in the business.

• Yvonne O’Neill – FarmLife Raheen (Mentor: Seamus O’Dea)
• Eimear Lynam – CountryLife Monasterevin (Mentor: Keith Hosey)
• William Daly – CountryLife Castlelyons (Mentor: Joe Barry)
• John Devitt – CountryLife Rathdrum (Mentor: Robert Kehoe)
• Michael Fitzpatrick – FarmLife Ballycanew (Mentor: Ben Furney)
• Niall Behan – FarmLife Ballitore (Mentor: Keith Hosey)

Each graduate was supported by a dedicated mentor who provided invaluable guidance throughout the program. The mentors played a crucial role in supporting and guiding the graduates as they navigated their professional and academic commitments. The graduates celebrated their achievement alongside 100 fellow graduates from various retail sectors in Athlone last month.

Looking ahead, we are excited to see the next cohort of apprentices, who are just starting their second year of the program, graduate this time next year.

Sustainable Farming Academy Graduates

We are also thrilled to announce that 18 of our dedicated Tirlán dairy farmers graduated as the second cohort from the Tirlán & Baileys Sustainable Farming Academy! Their achievement in earning a Diploma in Environment, Sustainability, and Climate from UCC is a testament to their hard work and commitment to sustainable farming practices.

The course was based around the dairy farmer’s year, allowing participants to balance their studies with the busy calving period. Our 23/24 graduates have reflected on the key benefits of completing the Sustainable Farming Academy course, including meeting like-minded farmers who are willing to take on the environmental challenge.

A huge thank you to UCC, Baileys and all our internal stakeholders for their support in this vital initiative. Together, we’re empowering our farmers to embrace sustainability and make a lasting impact in our communities.

26 Tirlán Suppliers Complete Governance Academy Level 1 – ‘Sowing the Seeds’

Sowing the Seeds participants completed a comprehensive programme that included two online modules, a day at Abbey Quarter, and a visit to Ballyragget’s Innovation Centre and plant. The programme aimed to provide participants with a deeper understanding of the Tirlán representative structure and foster connections within the Co-op community.

The group was notably diverse, comprising 15 women and 11 men from across the Tirlán catchment area, with 11 participants under the age of 35. The mix included current shareholders and individuals exploring the potential of share transfers from family members. While most participants had no prior experience with the Tirlán representative structure, some had recently taken up designated seats in their regions and were eager to learn more about their Co-op.

Congratulations to all our graduates! Your dedication and achievements are a true testament to the commitment Tirlán has to career progression, training, and development. We look forward to seeing the continued positive impact you will make in our business and communities.