This month we’re chatting with Malachy Stone, Commercial Associate in the European Sales team

When you speak to Malachy Stone, it’s clear he enjoys being part of a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same. As a Commercial Associate in Tirlán’s European Sales team, Malachy works across Ireland, the UK and wider Europe, supporting customers, building relationships and identifying new opportunities for our products.

Working closely with his manager, Tom Alyward, Malachy manages a portfolio of customer accounts supplied with proteins, oats, cheese and butter, while also focusing on business development throughout Europe. It’s a role that combines commercial thinking, relationship building and collaboration across the business, something that attracted him to Tirlán from the beginning.

Having studied Food & Agribusiness and later Food Business Strategy, Malachy knew he wanted a career in the food industry. Joining Ireland’s largest dairy co-op and one of the country’s leading food businesses felt like the perfect fit. “The Commercial Associate role appealed to me because there was an opportunity to work cross-functionally and deal with people both inside and outside the business,” he says. “I thought that would be beneficial and that no two days would be the same.”

One of the aspects of the role he enjoys most is working with sports nutrition customers, an area that naturally aligns with his own interests. With growing global demand for protein products and Tirlán’s investment in expanding its Whey Plant, Malachy is excited to be part of a business that continues to evolve and grow.

What stands out most to him about life at Tirlán is the people. “The commercial team is very helpful and there’s a huge amount of knowledge across the business,” he says. “Working cross-functionally allows you to see different perspectives, and I also find Tirlán is very supportive of a good work-life balance.”

Alongside his day-to-day role, Malachy has continued to invest in his own development, recently completing his Lean Six Sigma White Belt qualification and progressing through the graduate development programme, achievements he is particularly proud of.

Away from work, many colleagues may already recognise Malachy’s name from the sporting headlines of recent months. A proud Wicklow native, he was part of the Wicklow football team that secured a memorable Tailteann Cup victory at Croke Park.

“It was great to win a national trophy in front of a large Wicklow crowd in Croke Park,” he says. “After a long season that started in November, it was a great way to finish it off. The manner of the victory, coming from behind, made it even more satisfying.”

Balancing inter-county football with a busy commercial role might sound challenging, but Malachy credits the support and flexibility he receives at Tirlán for helping him manage both commitments. “I’m very lucky that my manager, Tom, used to hurl for Kilkenny, so he understands the commitment that’s required and is very accommodating. The hybrid nature of my role also helps, as I’m able to save time commuting and strike a balance between work and sport.”

The lessons learned through sport have also shaped his approach to work. Teamwork, communication, time management and goal setting are all skills he regularly brings from the football field into the workplace.

When he’s not working or training, Malachy enjoys making the most of the outdoors. Hiking and swimming are among his favourite ways to unwind and stay active, particularly when the Wicklow weather cooperates.

Whether he’s developing new customer relationships across Europe, building his expertise through professional development, or representing Wicklow on the biggest stage, Malachy brings the same qualities to everything he does: commitment, teamwork and a drive to keep improving.