Celebrating the success of our Graduate Programme
Celebrating the success of our Graduate Programme
Our Graduate Programme wins silver at the Grad Ireland Awards
On Thursday, 24th April, the Grad Ireland Graduate Recruitment Awards took place at the Mansion House in Dublin. The annual awards provide an opportunity for companies across Ireland to showcase their graduate programmes and demonstrate excellence and innovation in graduate recruitment.
Tirlán entered the awards this year with our Unearth Your Future graduate programme. We submitted a comprehensive entry that highlighted the strong work done by the Talent Acquisition team in recruiting graduates, as well as the strength, diversity and impact of our two-year programme.
We were delighted to be shortlisted in two award categories – Best Graduate Development & Training Programme (Business Management Category) and Best FMCG Award. On the night, members of the Talent Acquisition, People Experience and HRBP teams, along with both first and second-year graduates, attended the awards in Dublin.
The team was thrilled to win a Silver Award for the Best Graduate Training & Development Programme. Of the shortlist of 10 companies, we were beaten by Musgrave, seasoned campaigners who have won many Grad Ireland awards over the years. Achieving silver in such a competitive category is a fantastic accomplishment for us at Tirlán, especially as we are only in our second year of the programme and this was our first time entering the awards.
Our Commitment to Enhancing Water Quality
Our Commitment to Enhancing Water Quality
River Slaney project is improving the quality of water in our rivers
Over the past year, in collaboration with the “Farming for Water: River Slaney Project” partners, we have significantly accelerated efforts in farms and communities to improve water quality. We initiated the project in April 2024 in the Bann sub-catchment, a key area of concern on the Slaney.
This focus has now extended across the entire Slaney and into our supplier base of farm families across the midlands, east and southeast.
This collaborative project, involving our company, Teagasc, the Local Authorities Water Programme (LAWPRO) and accounting and advisory specialists, ifac, is dedicated to providing practical advice and support to protect and enhance water quality across the catchment.
Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine, Martin Heydon, TD, remarked: “It is great to see an all-industry approach to the issue of water quality along one of Ireland’s major rivers. Raising awareness and fostering a collective approach among farmers, processors and industry stakeholders is crucial to achieving real and lasting change.”
Our commitment to this project is a testament to our dedication to sustainability and the wellbeing of our communities. We look forward to continuing this important work and making a lasting impact on water quality in the region.
New sponsorship for Under-18 Girls Hockey Team
New sponsorship for Under-18 Girls Hockey Team
Tirlán is proud to support the Irish Under-18 Girls Hockey Team
We are thrilled to announce our support for the Hockey Ireland Irish Under-18 Girls Team for the 2025 season through our leading consumer dairy brand, Avonmore. As part of this exciting partnership, the Avonmore logo will be prominently displayed on the collar of the team’s playing kit as they compete in international tournaments throughout the year.
At the launch event, John Murphy, Chairperson of our company, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are incredibly proud to support the Irish Under-18 Girls Hockey Team. It is a great association for us through our Avonmore brand. We wish the team the very best of luck for the season ahead.”
This sponsorship is not just about supporting a sports team; it represents a fantastic opportunity for us to promote diversity and inclusion within our company and the broader community. By backing the Irish Under-18 Girls Hockey Team, we are championing young female athletes and highlighting the importance of equal opportunities in sports. This aligns with our values and commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.
Their first major tournament of the season took place in Hanover, Germany earlier this month, with the team set to compete at the European Championships in Glasgow from 13-19 July.
Renewing our Partnership
Renewing our Partnership
Tirlán is celebrating 31 years of partnership with Kilkenny GAA
This week, Tirlán proudly marks 31 years of partnership with Kilkenny GAA as the Senior Hurling Team embarks on their 2025 Allianz Hurling League campaign. Our relationship with Kilkenny GAA stands as one of the longest-running team sponsorships in Gaelic games. Over the years, our involvement has grown to support Kilkenny hurling at Senior, U20 and Minor levels.
Our partnership with Kilkenny GAA underscores Tirlán and Avonmore’s enduring commitment to nutrition, health, well-being and community support. This enduring partnership is a nationally recognised sponsorship with one of Ireland’s elite sporting teams. Jim O’Neill, Chief Operating & Consumer Officer, and Linda Sheehan, Head of Consumer Marketing, represented the Avonmore brand, which has been on the Kilkenny jersey since 1994, with our Chairperson John Murphy representing Tirlán Co-op, which was added to the jersey last year. A successful hurling team is a perfect fit for Ireland’s number 1 dairy brand, Avonmore!
Speaking at the launch in our Collaboration Hub at Abbey Quarter this week, PJ Kenny, Kilkenny GAA Chairman, said that he was delighted to see the long-standing relationship with Tirlán continue as Derek Lyng and his players pursue silverware at Championship level.
“We are delighted to continue our partnership with Tirlán, an organisation that makes a huge contribution to the South-East of the country,” he said.
John Murphy, Tirlán Chairperson, said: “We’re proud to continue our partnership with the Kilkenny GAA teams. It’s a great association for Tirlàn as a 100% farmer-owned Co-op and Avonmore as Ireland’s leading dairy brand. The association between the Avonmore brand and Kilkenny GAA is deep and enduring. Deep roots in the community and a commitment to excellence are shared by both organisations.”
We extend our best wishes to Derek and the team for the year ahead and eagerly anticipate cheering on the teams throughout 2025 – C’mon the Cats! A special thanks to the Corporate Affairs team for making a seamless event happen.
Avonmore Protein Coffee hits the shelves
Avonmore Protein Coffee hits the shelves
Newly launched Avonmore Protein Coffee is an exciting new product launch for the Avonmore range in 2025
Avonmore Protein Coffee is a delicious fresh coffee drink made with milk and 100% arabica coffee beans, boasting 27g of high quality protein and 60mg of caffeine. This product is positioned at those who predominantly exercise during the morning and are seeking additional protein in their diet as well as the added benefit of caffeine, before going on to tackle their day in the office or at work.
Not only does this product pack protein and caffeine, but it is a truly delicious flavour and will have strong appeal for all those that enjoy exercise and coffee. The product performed very well in consumer taste panels with positive mentions of it being a creamy latte flavour.
The innovation project was inspired by the ever-growing consumption trends in the protein category and growth in coffee usage, not only in takeaway coffees but also ready-to-drink bottled coffees. After several focus groups and qualitative research to explore potential extensions to the successful Avonmore Protein Milk range, launching a blend of coffee and protein milk was uncovered as an obvious line extension.
Avonmore Protein Coffee is a key launch for 2025 and will be supported across instore and out-of-home advertising, social media advertising, event sampling, influencer support, Youtube and Spotify, across the months of April and May.
This project demonstrates our core value of ‘collaborating for success’ made possible by a dedicated cross functional team (made up of R&D, Commercial, Operations, Regulatory, Nutrition, Master Data, Finance and Quality colleagues led by project lead Barry Cassidy). Kudos to the team for the dedication shown to make this project a reality and add a new differentiated line extension to the Avonmore Protein brand.
Avonmore Protein Coffee will be available in all major retailers across the island of Ireland from mid-April with an RRP of €2.99.
A vital year for farmers
A vital year for farmers
Tirlán recently met with Agriculture Minister, Martin Heydon, TD, to highlight the importance of retaining Ireland’s Nitrates Derogation
The purpose of the meeting was to stress to Government the importance of securing the retention of Ireland’s Nitrates Derogation, as a new report shows improvements in water quality.
At the meeting with Minister Heydon in Agriculture House, Dublin, Tirlán Chairperson John Murphy highlighted a range of issues and, most importantly, the retention of the Derogation.
“This year is of vital importance for both farming and the rural economy, with the European Commission due to make a decision on the retention of the current Derogation in the coming months,” John Murphy stated.
He welcomed the clear commitment to retaining the Derogation in the Programme for Government and the practical support provided by the €60 million Farming for Water European Innovation Partnership (EIP). With the support of Tirlán Agri-Sustainability advisors, over 220 Tirlán farmers have so far applied for funding to support targeted water protection investments.
“Retaining the Derogation is crucially important for Ireland’s grass-based family farming model.
“Our farmers are committed to doing the right thing, for water quality, for their land, their farms and wider communities. However, we require both certainty and clarity on the future of the Derogation as soon as possible. It is central to decision-making on-farm and is the number one priority for Tirlán’s farm family suppliers,” he stated.
“Our farmers have responded to the call-to-action to protect and enhance water quality. We are now beginning to see the results, which show it is possible to farm at current levels and protect water quality. Even as we acknowledge the improvements, we know that much more needs to be done. We are continuing to support our farmers as they take steps every day to protect water quality and maintain the momentum.”
A report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows that nitrogen levels in rivers have reduced in 2024. The Early Insights Nitrogen Indicator 2024 report flags the need for ongoing and sustained actions, with nitrate levels remaining too high in the southeastern half of the country.
In the meeting, Tirlán CEO Seán Molloy highlighted the beneficial impact of the practical actions being undertaken by co-operatives and farm families across the country, amid the improvements shown in the latest water quality report.
“2025 is a vital year for Irish farming and our rural economy. The improvements in water quality are welcome, as farmers and the wider sector are making sustained practical efforts to protect our watercourses from nutrient losses. Through our ‘Farming for Water: River Slaney project’, we are collaborating with key partners and investing in supports to deliver impactful action. We are working together with key stakeholders to deliver results that will have a long-term beneficial impact for all our communities,” he said, with Ireland due to commence Derogation renewal discussions with the European Commission.
He added: “There is a concerted effort underway at national level by policymakers and stakeholders to enhance our water quality and deliver robust science-based results to protect both our watercourses and our Derogation.
“We know there is a lot at stake for our farm families and the rural economy. The time is now drawing close for a decision and we need to continue to maintain our focus on protecting the Derogation. We are pleased that the Minister stated that the renewal of the Derogation is a key priority for the Government. The level of activity underway on farms, combined with the latest water quality results provides science-based data for making a strong case in Brussels.”
Chewing the Cud with… Helena Kelly
Chewing the Cud with… Helena Kelly
Each month, we focus the spotlight on a Tirlán employee. For our April edition, we’re talking with Helena Kelly, Horticulturist at Tirlán CountryLife Monasterevin
Helena joined Tirlán in February 2011. Originally from Tipperary, Helena moved to Kildare in 2007, drawn by the region’s reputation as a hub of Irish horticulture. Helena’s journey in horticulture began in nurseries in Tipperary, North Kildare, and Dublin. Despite facing challenges such as severe winters that impacted the nurseries, Helena’s passion for plants and dedication to her work led her to joining the team at Monasterevin.
Helena’s background is rooted in horticulture. She studied Horticulture at the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, and later upskilled in Landscape Design and General Horticulture, again at the National Botanic Gardens. Her extensive knowledge and love for plants have been the driving force behind her successful career.
Helena’s personable approach to customer service and her ability to adapt to challenges make her a valuable asset to our team. “I like catering for every kind of customer. I particularly enjoy assisting customers who are new to gardening. These individuals may not know where to start in their own garden, but show interest and willingness to learn.
“I find it rewarding to guide them through the basics, often using photos of their gardens to provide personalised advice. By helping them understand the fundamentals, I empower them to embark on their gardening journey with confidence.
“Choosing the right plant for the right location ensures its success and encourages customers to return. I get satisfaction from seeing customers come back to share their positive experiences, such as a plant flourishing again or children enjoying vegetables grown in their garden. Even when things don’t go as planned, it is valuable to understand what went wrong and offer guidance.”
When Helena started at Monasterevin in 2011, the Garden Centre was in its early stages of its development. Despite being the sole person managing the centre, Helena’s hard work and expertise helped it grow significantly.
Helena now leads a team of two “Over the years, we just got busier and busier and the Garden Centre has expanded.. The Garden Centre has become a bustling retail centre due to the support of the wider team. When you have the right product and the right people in place to give advice, it will deliver success for everyone.
“Although we are National retailer with 15 Garden Centres, our Tirlán CountryLife Garden Centre maintains a very local atmosphere. There’s a personal touch that makes customers feel like they’re meeting friends. Our quality and pricing are excellent, and we offer one of the best loyalty programs with 5% rewards. The unique and welcoming feel here distinguishes us from other chain stores and even some garden centres.”
Helena is married to Shaun, a dairy farmer, and they have two young children, John and Brendan. Balancing work and home life has been challenging, but Helena has found ways to manage her time effectively. She is currently building a house and looks forward to creating her own garden haven.
Back to Bloom – Employee Giveaway
Back to Bloom – Employee Giveaway
Bord Bia Bloom is just around the corner and we want to give our team the chance to experience Ireland’s biggest garden festival!
We’re giving away two sets of tickets to Bloom, plus a CountryLife goodie bag for each winner! This is your chance to see the Postcard Gardens up close, explore the latest in gardening trends and get inspired by stunning displays.
How to win
To enter, simply answer this question in the following form: CLICK HERE
What feature does Tirlán CountryLife sponsor at Bord Bia Bloom?
We’re proud to be sponsoring the Bloom Postcard Gardens once again this year, bringing community-driven gardens to Bloom’s national stage. Don’t miss out – get involved, get inspired and be part of the excitement! 🌱🎟️ Find out more about the sponsorship HERE.
Introducing ‘Tirlán Talks’!
Introducing ‘Tirlán Talks’!
We encourage you to listen, share, and engage
We’re thrilled to launch the Tirlán Ingredients Podcast – ‘Tirlán Talks’! This new podcast series will bring expert insights, market trends and thought-provoking discussions with industry leaders within Tirlán, providing information to our customers and helping them stay informed.
Voice of the customer surveys revealed that customers would love to hear more information around trends and markets, so with a collaborative approach we have launched the first Tirlán podcast to help keep our customers informed. In each episode, we’ll dive into key topics like market updates, sustainability, innovation and global supply chains – keeping customers connected to the latest industry developments.
Episode 1 is now live! In this episode, Dan O’Kane breaks down the Whey Protein market, reflecting on 2024’s performance and what we can expect in 2025.
We encourage you to listen, share and engage with this exciting new initiative. Stay tuned for more great discussions coming soon.
A Journey of Innovation and Engagement in China
A Journey of Innovation and Engagement in China
A trip to China provided an opportunity for customer engagement and emerging opportunities in the region
The Tirlán Ingredients Commercial team and R&D team recently visited China and Southeast Asia. Darren Barcoe, Dan O’Kane, Verona O’Shea, Colm O’Brien and Rory Hannon travelled to Shanghai to visit Tirlán’s key accounts, Fresenius and Danone. In between customer visits, the team attended the Food Ingredients China (FIC) tradeshow, the largest tradeshow in the ingredients industry in China. This event serves as a key platform for both domestic and international companies to showcase innovations and connect with the Chinese market.
The customer visits and tradeshow participation are of significant importance to the business, providing an opportunity to engage with customers in-market and gain firsthand insights into their operations, local challenges and emerging opportunities in China and Southeast Asia.
Both Fresenius and Danone have made investments in China with a view to supply the growing medical nutrition market in China, South East Asia and Europe. Building relationships with customers remains a priority and understanding their needs allows Tirlán to continuously enhance its service and expand business partnerships with these customers in growing markets and on a global scale.
The trip also provided an opportunity to highlight Tirlán’s extensive R&D capabilities and the substantial investments made in facilities and talent. While virtual technology has improved significantly in recent years, in-person interactions continue to be the gold standard for relationship building.
The day at FIC was particularly insightful, offering a valuable perspective on market opportunities and trends in China. Given the scale of the market, the ability to engage with key industry players, including customers and competitors, provided a comprehensive view of developments in the region. Globally, trends around healthy ageing and GLP-1 supplementation are continuing to grow and these trends were evident in China as well.