This month we caught up with our R&D Manager for Fresh Milk & Cream, Una Flanagan, whose story at Tirlán has been shaped by courage and passion

This month, we sat down with Úna Flanagan, R&D Manager for Fresh Milk & Cream at Tirlán, whose journey from Cork to Ballyragget has been shaped by both personal resilience and professional passion. Una’s story is one of dedication, to her family, her team and the ever-evolving world of dairy innovation.

Originally from Cork, Úna moved to Ballyragget, Co. Kilkenny in 2006, a decision inspired by her late husband, whose roots were firmly planted in the area. Úna shares that her husband’s passing five years ago is a significant chapter in her life’s journey. Throughout everything, Úna has drawn resilience from her son, Seán, their two dogs and the unwavering support of the Tirlán community: “They’ve truly been a source of strength and comfort over the years.”

With a background in food science and technology from UCC and a farming upbringing, Una’s path into Research and Development felt natural. “Food was always a part of life growing up,” she says. Over 25 years in R&D, Úna has witnessed and driven remarkable change. “You see trends that were in their early stages 10 years ago and now they’re mainstream. The industry has changed and evolved so much.”

One trend that stands out is the rise of protein-rich products. “When we launched our protein milk range in 2014, protein was just for elite athletes. Now, it’s for everyone, people of all ages and life stages. It’s amazing to see how one nutrient can impact so many.”

Since joining Tirlán in 2006, Una’s roles have spanned from soups and sauces to leading the value-added milk team. “There isn’t a product in our milk and cream range that I haven’t worked on in the last 18 or 19 years,” she says with pride. For Una, the real reward comes in those everyday moments: “When you go into the supermarket and see all the products on the shelf, you think, ‘I’ve worked on every single one of them.’ That’s always a proud moment.”

Among her favourite achievements are the protein milk products, which have grown and diversified each year. “From our first launch in 2014 to our coffee protein milk this year, it’s been a journey of continuous innovation and adding value to the business.”

R&D at Tirlán is a team sport. “We work with every department across the business from quality, operations, customer service, sales & marketing,  production operators and supply chain. There’s a lot of knowledge sharing and collaboration,” Úna explains. Whether it’s troubleshooting with technical support challenges or brainstorming with colleagues, Úna emphasises the importance of teamwork: “You might know something that someone else doesn’t, so we’re always sharing and learning from each other.”
As for the future, Úna sees healthy ageing and gut health as key trends. “We’re always looking for ingredients and technologies that can add value to our product portfolio.

Consumer awareness is growing, but so are the challenges, especially with the influence of social media and evolving regulations around processed foods.”

Outside of work, Úna’s life is just as dynamic. With her son’s passion for mountain biking, she’s found herself hitting the trails with him, sometimes outside her comfort zone, but always embracing new experiences. “It’s all about getting more confident. I’m doing things now I probably never would have done before.”

Through her commitment to innovation, collaboration and personal growth, Úna continues to inspire her team and the wider dairy industry, proving that resilience and passion make a lasting impact.

Thousands of euro have been raised by employees and supporters for our three deserving charities

We’re thrilled to announce that Tour de Tirlán 2025 has raised an incredible €90,000 for our three chosen charities, Aware, Amber Women’s Refuge and the Father McGrath Centre, thanks to the generosity, energy, and spirit of our employees, farmer stakeholders and their families.

Held on 5th September, the event saw 90 participants take to the roads, cheered on by a fantastic group of volunteers who ensured everyone made it back to the finish line safely. The weather was on our side and the atmosphere was electric from start to finish.

A special moment from the day was the send-off at the Abbey Quarter carpark in Kilkenny, where representatives from each of our three charities joined us to wave off the cyclists. Their presence reminded us all of the impact this event will have on communities across Ireland.

This total of €90,000 is a testament to the power of teamwork, community and compassion of our people. It will be split equally between our three chosen charities, helping them continue their vital work. This brings the total raised from our annual charity cycle over 12 years to over €566,000 for good causes across our communities.

Thank You

To everyone who cycled, volunteered, donated, supported or helped organise the event, thank you for making Tour de Tirlán 2025 such a success. We look forward to seeing you on Friday, 4 September 2026 for the next Tour de Tirlán.

This month we caught up with Cormac Allison, who recently stepped into the role of Whey Shift Production Manager at Ballyragget

Cormac is one of the first graduates of Tirlán’s Unearth Your Future Graduate Programme, which he completed in August. As he begins this exciting new chapter, we sat down with him to hear about his journey, from the cheese plant to whey production and everything in between.

Cormac’s interest in the graduate programme was sparked by his background in operations and supply chain and Tirlán’s strong emphasis on development and innovation. “Being in the first cohort felt exciting, but also a bit nerve-wracking,” he admits. “With Tirlán still in its early days as a member-owned co-op, we were helping shape the programme for future graduates. It was a unique experience filled with collaboration, mentorship and real-world exposure.”

One of the standout moments for Cormac was meeting the other graduates in September 2023. “We were all starting out and it was reassuring to know we were in the same boat. It also gave us insight into different functions across the business.” Wrapping up the programme with a meeting with CEO Sean Molloy was another highlight. “Hearing about the company’s vision firsthand brought everything full circle.”

Now based in the whey plant in Ballyragget, Cormac describes his new role as a steep learning curve. “Coming from the cheese plant, there were lots of new processes and technologies to get to grips with. Every day is a school day. You never know what’s coming, but that’s what makes it enjoyable.”

Having done shift work before, Cormac has a few tried-and-tested routines. “Consistency is key. I stick to a routine, prioritise rest and make time for exercise, even a short walk helps. Staying hydrated and planning meals ahead also makes a big difference.”

When asked what he enjoys most about working at Tirlán, Cormac doesn’t hesitate: “The people, without a doubt. There’s a strong sense of community and support. I’ve worked with passionate individuals who are generous with their time and knowledge.” He’s also had the chance to work on several projects that pushed him outside his comfort zone and helped him grow.

One surprise for Cormac was the level of responsibility he was given early on. “It’s grown steadily over the past two years,” he says. Looking ahead, he’s excited to deepen his technical expertise and take on more strategic responsibilities. “I’d love to mentor future graduates and give back to the programme.”

Outside of work, Cormac enjoys walking, listening to podcasts, watching movies and golfing – though he admits he’s still working on his swing. His advice to future graduates? “Be curious, ask questions and take every opportunity to learn. Don’t be afraid to admit what you don’t know. Be proactive, build relationships and step outside your comfort zone. It’s a fantastic launchpad for your career.”

A Wellness Day to remember at Tirlán CountryLife Athboy

On Saturday, 13th September, the team at Tirlán CountryLife Athboy brought the spirit of wellbeing to life with their thoughtfully curated event, “Flourish”. Designed to promote relaxation, self-care and holistic health, the event welcomed employees and community members alike for a day of rejuvenation and connection.

The programme featured a blend of yoga, sound therapy, mindfulness practices and healthcare tips, all led by experienced wellness professionals. Attendees were encouraged to unwind, recharge and embrace the positive energy that filled the space.

A special thank you goes to our incredible instructors and volunteers:

• Esther O’Neill (Present Moment Wellness) – for guiding calming yoga sessions
• Selene Brennan – for sharing mindfulness techniques
• Andrea Porubszka and Maryrose Buckley – for their immersive sound therapy
• Kate Nugent – for offering insights as a Traditional Irish Herbalist

To keep spirits high and energy flowing, the team provided healthy snacks packed with fruit, nuts, and seeds – nourishing both body and mind.

The event also had a meaningful charitable impact, raising over €1,000 in support of Aware, our valued charity partners. These funds will help ensure continued access to free mental health services for those in need.

A heartfelt thank you to the organising team – Hayden, Alma, Marcus, Hazel and Katie McManus – for their dedication and creativity in making “Flourish” such a success.

To everyone who attended – we hope you left with fresh inspiration for your own wellbeing journey. Let’s continue to support each other in flourishing, at work and beyond.