In June, we proudly celebrated Pride 2025, reaffirming our commitment to DEI

In June, we proudly celebrated Pride 2025, reaffirming our commitment to inclusion and standing in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ community. From vibrant displays to meaningful conversations, this year’s Pride activities reflected the heart of our values – celebrating individuality, fostering belonging and championing authenticity.

Flying the Flag for Inclusion

Across many of our sites, Pride flags flew high as a visible symbol of support and allyship. Employees embraced the spirit of Pride by wearing special Tirlán Pride lanyards and using themed Microsoft Teams backgrounds, creating a colourful and inclusive digital and physical workspace.

A Powerful Conversation: Fern Brady on Authenticity
One of the highlights of the month was our Pride webinar in partnership with Vhi: Unmasking Authenticity: A Conversation with Fern Brady. Hosted by Irish broadcaster Aisling O’Reilly, the session explored the intersection of LGBTQ+ identity and neurodiversity. Fern Brady, a bisexual woman and late-diagnosed autistic comedian and writer, shared her personal journey with honesty and humour, sparking reflection and dialogue across the organisation.

Pride in OurWellbeing

This year’s Pride celebrations were also part of our broader OurWellbeing programme, which supports mental health and inclusion across the business. From the Tirlán Mountain Challenge to the upcoming Tour de Tirlán, our wellbeing initiatives continue to foster a culture of care and connection.

Why Pride Matters

Pride is more than a celebration – it’s a reminder of the power of individuality, the importance of visibility and the right to be our authentic selves. It commemorates the Stonewall Uprising of 1969, a pivotal moment in the global LGBTQ+ rights movement and continues to be a call for equality and inclusion.

At Tirlán, we believe that our differences make us stronger. By supporting Pride, we reaffirm our commitment to creating a workplace where every voice is heard, every identity is respected and everyone feels they belong.

Each month, we focus the spotlight on a Tirlán employee. For our July edition, we’re talking to Róisín McManus, Farm Sustainability Development Advisor

Raised on a dairy farm just outside Tullamore in County Offaly, Róisín’s path into agriculture was both organic and purposeful. “Growing up on a dairy farm sparked my interest in studying Agriculture at college. In 2021, I graduated from UCD with a Level 8 bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science, specialising in Animal and Crop Production,” she shared.

Her academic path took her far afield – literally. As part of her undergraduate placement, Róisín worked on two large-scale dairy farms in New Zealand, an experience that deepened her commitment to dairy production. That passion led her to a research master’s through the Walsh Scholarships Programme, in collaboration with UCD and Teagasc. “My research title was ‘Achieving improvements in water quality through targeted organic manure storage advice’, under the guidance of the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme Manager, Noel Meehan. During my Master’s, I worked as an advisor at Teagasc Nenagh, which gave me my first real insight into the role of an agricultural advisor.”

After completing her Master’s, Róisín joined Dairygold as a sustainability advisor before bringing her expertise to Tirlán in June 2024. Now part of the sustainability team, she covers the midlands catchment area.

Róisín’s role is a dynamic blend of farmer facing and desk-based. “I really like the balance between farmer-facing and then obviously being desk-based. I love the interaction with farmers – I can always learn something new from them,” she said. Her commitment to building strong relationships with suppliers is evident: “It means a lot when a farmer feels comfortable reaching out for advice. It’s about more than just a one-off interaction.”

Her time at Tirlán has been marked by collaboration and opportunity. “Everyone’s been very welcoming – it’s always really helpful to learn from other styles of advisory,” she said of her team. She’s also had the chance to represent Tirlán at a number of events, including Bloom in Phoenix Park and the Dairy Industry Ireland stand at the Tullamore Show. “I gained valuable exposure and insight.”

Róisín is particularly passionate about sustainability challenges and opportunities. She highlighted the €60 million Farming for Water EIP funding as a key driver of engagement. “We have an opportunity to showcase suppliers that are doing everything in their stride, environmentally, and we also have an opportunity now to increase engagement through offering funding to implement measures positive to restoring and protecting water quality.”

Balancing a busy schedule is second nature to Róisín, who juggles advisory work with helping on both her home and partner’s dairy farms. “Time management is really important,” she advised. Outside of work, she finds balance through running and is currently training for the Dublin City Marathon with her local running club.
With her deep roots in farming, academic rigour and a clear-eyed view of sustainability, Róisín McManus exemplifies the spirit of Tirlán – grounded, driven and future-focused.

Relaunching our Employee Assistance Programme

At Tirlán, we understand that life can be challenging and that sometimes, we all need someone to talk to. That’s why we’re proud to announce the relaunch of our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), delivered in partnership with Vhi, as a key pillar of our new OurWellbeing initiative.

A Confidential Lifeline for Every Employee

The EAP is a free, strictly confidential service available 24/7, 365 days a year to all Tirlán employees and their immediate family members (including anyone living under the same roof). Whether you’re facing personal, family, financial or work-related challenges, the EAP offers immediate access to fully qualified, accredited counsellors and information specialists.

Confidentiality is at the heart of this service. No personal information is shared with Tirlán and all interactions remain private and secure.

What’s Available Through the EAP?

• Telephone & Face-to-Face Counselling: Access up to eight sessions per issue, with the flexibility to receive support by phone or in person at a location that suits you
• Solution-Focused Short-Term Counselling (SFBT): A goal-oriented approach that helps you identify strengths and solutions in collaboration with your counsellor
• Manager Consultation Service: A dedicated helpline for line managers to receive expert guidance on supporting their teams
• Legal, Financial & Wellbeing Advice: Practical support on a wide range of topics, from debt and legal issues to parenting and elder care.

Why We’re Relaunching

Feedback from our engagement surveys and the Through Your Lens initiative highlighted a lack of awareness and lingering stigma around mental health support. This relaunch is our commitment to changing that.

We’re aligning the EAP with OurWellbeing, our long-term programme focused on enhancing the mental, physical and social wellbeing of every Tirlán employee. Together, these initiatives aim to foster a culture of care, connection and resilience.

What’s New?

To support this relaunch, we’re rolling out a suite of new resources and communications:

• Employee Booklet & Manager’s Guide: Clear, accessible guides to help you understand and use the EAP. Download via the OurWellbeing SharePoint
• QR Codes & Posters: Available across all sites to make accessing support easier than ever. Download via the OurWellbeing SharePoint
• Intranet & Email Comms: Regular updates and reminders through our internal channels
• Information Sessions: Join us in person or virtually for sessions with Vhi to learn more about the EAP and ask any questions you may have
• Mental Wellbeing Coaching: Coming soon – stay tuned for more details.

Together, through OurWellbeing and the EAP, we’re building a workplace where every person feels supported, valued and empowered to thrive.

Each month, we focus the spotlight on a Tirlán employee. For our June edition, we’re talking Rory Hannon, Key Account Manager in Specialised Nutrition Ingredients

From the lush fields of Wexford to the vibrant coast of Waterford, Rory Hannon has always felt at home in the great outdoors. Now settled in Waterford for over a decade, Rory enjoys the balance of city life, coastal charm and the natural beauty of the Comeragh Mountains and the Greenway. With a background rooted in dairy farming, his passion for the industry runs deep.

Rory’s professional journey began in the meat industry, where he joined a graduate programme and later moved into a meat trading role. “It’s a tough industry,” he reflects, “but I learned a huge number of commercial skills that I still rely on today.”

Today, Rory is a Key Account Manager in Tirlán’s specialised nutrition team, focusing on value-added protein solutions for the medical nutrition sector. “It’s a challenging role,” he says, “especially with the constant global uncertainty, but finding solutions and innovating with our customers is incredibly rewarding.”

What drives Rory in his role? “The people,” he says without hesitation. “There’s a great willingness to support and help each other.” He thrives on the variety of his work – balancing day-to-day sales with long-term growth strategies, and collaborating cross-functionally to deliver real value to customers.

International travel is part of the job and Rory sees it as a privilege. “Meeting customers in their own markets builds stronger relationships and fosters trust. It gives us a better understanding of their needs and how we can serve them more effectively.”

He’s also excited about emerging trends, particularly the growing demand for high-protein, nutrient-dense products driven by the rise of GLP-1 drugs. “Tirlán is well positioned to meet this demand with our world-class milk and whey protein range,” he notes.

When it comes to hosting customers, Rory is a big fan of the Customer Experience Room at Abbey Quarter. “It’s a fantastic resource. The space allows us to hold formal meetings and live product demonstrations all in one place. It really showcases our investment in the future.”