ELT Roadshow 2026: Your Voice Matters
ELT Roadshow 2026: Your Voice Matters
Check out the photos and share your feedback
In a packed schedule, the ELT visited 15 sites in person, creating space for face‑to‑face conversations, open dialogue and meaningful connections with our people. Alongside this, the team held several calls with our international and farmer‑facing teams, ensuring as many voices as possible were part of the conversation.
At the heart of this year’s Roadshow was a clear message: Your voice matters. Each session focused on sharing local site achievements from the past year, outlining priorities and plans for 2026 and just as importantly, listening to the experiences, perspectives and ideas of colleagues on the ground.
These conversations are a vital part of how we continue to grow and evolve as a co‑op of the future. They provide the ELT with valuable insight into what’s working well across our sites, what challenges remain and how we can continue to improve the way we communicate, engage and work together.
A standout feature of every visit was the local recognition moment, where individuals and teams were celebrated for going above and beyond in their roles and for living our values every day. These moments reflect the pride we have in our people and the impact they make right across Tirlán.
As Michael O’Leary shared during the Roadshow, “Without good people, none of this happens.” The ELT Roadshow is a reminder that our people are at the heart of everything we do and that listening, learning and adapting together is key to our shared success.
Keep the conversation going
Colleagues are encouraged to take a few minutes to share their feedback, whether it’s on this year’s sessions, suggestions for future Roadshows, or questions you’d like the ELT to consider. Feedback can be submitted anonymously or with your name, whichever you prefer.
Listening doesn’t end when the Roadshow does.
Finally, a sincere thank you to our local site managers, HR Business Partners and the Employee Engagement Network, whose collaboration and support helped bring the ELT Roadshow to life across our sites once again.
Avonmore on top
Avonmore - on top this summer
Keeping Avonmore front of mind for consumers
It’s been a busy and brilliant time for the Consumer team, as Avonmore brands showed up where it matters most – inspiring shoppers, driving trial and putting great taste directly into consumers’ hands.
The perfect Irish pairing
Avonmore Fresh Cream is delighted to be teaming up once again with another much‑loved Irish brand, Keelings Fruit, to celebrate a timeless classic – strawberries and cream. Running throughout the peak Irish strawberry season in May and June, this partnership comes to life across Tesco and Dunnes Stores, encouraging shoppers to enjoy this irresistible duo at just the right moment.
With strong online advertising, eye-catching in-store POS across both fruit and chilled aisles, live in-store demos and impactful digital screens, shoppers won’t be able to miss the activity. By bringing two Irish favourites together at peak season, the aim is simple – drive incremental volume and remind consumers just how delicious strawberries and fresh cream can be.
Driving trial & taste with Avonmore Milk
Sampling continues to be a key pillar in getting Avonmore products into the hands of our target audiences – and the calendar has been packed!
On April 25th, the team was delighted to be at UPMC Nowlan Park for the Kilkenny vs Wexford match in the Leinster Hurling Senior Championship. On a warm and sunny day, 13,000 supporters enjoyed samples of Avonmore Protein Milk, Avonmore Protein Coffee and Mooju, all of which went down a treat. A huge well done to the Kilkenny team on a fantastic win – and to Avonmore Protein Milk brand ambassador Mossy Keoghan, who picked up Man of the Match on the day.
Avonmore Protein Coffee takes to the road
Throughout May, the Avonmore Protein Coffee sampling van is on tour, giving people the chance to taste our two delicious drinks – Iced Latte and NEW Iced Latte Salted Caramel.
The tour kicked off at UCD, where students took a well‑earned break to enjoy a refreshing iced coffee with a caffeine kick and a protein hit. Next stop is ‘Yoga with Maura’ in Dún Laoghaire on the bank holiday Saturday, where early‑bird yogis will be treated to samples after an energising sunrise session.
On May 9th and 10th, the van heads to Wellfest at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, where around 6,000 visitors can relax on beanbags, chill out and enjoy a refreshing iced coffee. The final stop will see the team brighten up the morning rush at Grand Canal Station, delighting early commuters with Avonmore Protein Coffee to kick-start their day.
From celebrating iconic Irish food pairings to meeting consumers at matches, festivals, campuses and commuter hotspots, it’s all about showing up at the right moments, driving trial and keeping Avonmore top of mind – one delicious taste at a time.
Tirlán reports strong 2025 performance
Tirlán reports strong 2025 performance
Our Annual Report & Accounts for 2025 reflect a strong year — with solid financial performance, strategic investment and meaningful support delivered to our members
With revenue of €2.94 billion and an operating profit of €63.7 million, 2025 marked another year of consistent delivery against our long‑term strategy. Importantly, core net debt reduced to €126 million, the lowest level in over a decade — a clear signal of the progress being made across the business.
This performance is down to the commitment, expertise and teamwork of colleagues right across Tirlán — from our sites and farms to our offices, customer-facing teams and international operations.
2025 at a glance
- Revenue: €2.94 billion
- Operating profit: €63.7 million (within target range)
- Core net debt: €126 million at year-end (down from €138 million in 2024)
- Milk supply growth: Milk collections up 7% year-on-year, with milk solids 9% higher than 2024
Investing for the future
Strategic investment continued throughout 2025, including work underway on a €126 million, state-of-the-art whey processing facility at Ballyragget. This investment strengthens Tirlán’s leadership position in advanced nutritional protein and supports long-term, sustainable growth for the co-op.
Tirlán also launched a €15 million Generational Renewal Programme, a landmark initiative designed to help secure the future of dairy farming and support the next generation of Members.
Supporting our Members
Alongside strong commercial performance, meaningful value was returned to Members during the year, including:
- A €5 million TB Support Programme for milk suppliers impacted by Bovine TB Support Package
- The spin-out of 15 million Glanbia plc shares, valued at €253 million*
- €9 million paid in Co-op dividends
Delivering The Power of Protein
The Annual Report highlights how Tirlán continues to deliver on The Power of Protein across its consumer, foodservice and ingredients categories.
Strong farmer engagement continued through the Milk Solids Growth Programme, helping to support sustainable increases in output through real-time data and personalised advisory services.
In consumer markets, Avonmore — Ireland’s number one dairy brand — delivered a strong retail performance, driven by protein-led innovation. Avonmore Professional UHT cream also continued its international expansion and is now exported to 35 countries worldwide.
In Ingredients, Tirlán sold 415,000 tonnes of dairy ingredients globally, with revenues in this category increasing by 13% year-on-year, despite challenging market conditions later in the year.
Looking ahead
2026 has started strongly, with momentum continuing into the first quarter. Particular recognition goes to teams across manufacturing and operations, who are processing significantly higher milk volumes as facilities operate at maximum capacity during one of the largest peak periods on record.
This performance is possible because of the dedication, resilience and commitment of our colleagues across Tirlán. Thank you for the role you play every day in delivering for our Members, customers and communities.
The end of a proud journey
The end of a proud journey
A valiant effort from the Tirlán senior hurlers at Ballyragget
Tirlán suffered a narrow defeat in an entertaining All-Ireland Senior Hurling Final at Ballyragget, going down 3-18 to 1-13 against WWETB, after a strong opening and a spirited second half performance.
Tirlán started the game brightly and set the early tempo, racing into a five-point lead through sharp attacking play and good use of possession. That strong opening laid down a marker and had Tirlán firmly on the front foot in the opening exchanges.
The momentum shifted midway through the first half, with the opposition responding to draw level and eventually edging ahead approaching the interval. At half-time, Tirlán trailed 1-13 to 1-8, but there was a clear sense that the game remained very much in the balance.
Tirlán came out with real intent after the restart and pushed hard to reduce the deficit. A major opportunity followed when Stephen Manogue was unlucky not to find the net, denied by an excellent save with the game finely poised. That moment proved a turning point, as a goal at the other end extended the gap and made the challenge steeper.
Despite that setback, Tirlán continued to battle and showed great resilience, working tirelessly to stay in contention. However, the lead proved difficult to close in the closing stages and a late goal ultimately decided the contest.
While the result didn’t fall Tirlán’s way, the performance was marked by a strong start, sustained effort and genuine commitment throughout, rounding off a proud journey to an All-Ireland final on home soil.
Thanks to the management team of Liam Dowling, Eamonn Holland, Richie Manogue, Michael Walsh and Denis Walsh for their time and effort throughout the year.
Panel
Sean Fitzpatrick, Simon Aylward, Tom Aylward, Eoin Simms, Brian Staunton, Shane Ryan, Jack Ryan, Luke Scanlon, Shane Kinsella, Eoin Regan, Tommy Maher, Michael Kenny, Stephen Manogue, Fintan Mullins, Sean Hunt, Gary Delaney, Brian Cahill, Cathal Jordan, Eddie Daly, James Keating, Fergal Suffin, Kenny Lee, Mike O’Neill, Nick Doheny, Oisin Murphy, Paul Kirwan, James Gannon, Daragh Maher, Billy O Neill, Eoin Cahill, Willie Phelan
Protein in Focus
Protein in Focus in Chicago
Key takeaways from ADPI Chicago
The Tirlán Ingredients Commercial team has just returned from the ADPI Annual Conference in Chicago, which provided a timely checkpoint on where global protein markets are heading.
Across discussions, the team noted strong underlying confidence in protein demand, with markets viewed as structurally tight rather than temporarily constrained. Conversations focused less on short-term substitution and more on how customers are adapting and optimising in an increasingly protein‑led landscape.
Interest is shifting toward performance, functionality and the strategic use of protein, rather than simple volume. Milk proteins continue to attract attention, driven by their versatility and ability to support reformulation as customers balance functionality, nutrition and cost. Casein markets were seen as firm but complex, shaped by broader dairy fundamentals and downstream demand signals, with buyers taking a thoughtful and measured approach as the market searches for equilibrium.
Demand for whey protein continues to drive reformulation, blending and smarter protein system design, rather than expectations of near‑term demand relief.
Overall, the team observed a market defined by tight supply, resilient demand and increasing sophistication in how customers think about protein solutions, with the focus moving from what’s available to how to extract the most value and performance from protein.
Workplace Wellbeing & Lunch Tips
Workplace Wellbeing & Lunch Tips
Start practicing one small habit that can make your day easier
Workplace wellbeing is about the everyday things that help you feel well at work. From a healthy-eating point of view, it means having the time and headspace to eat a proper lunch so you can keep your energy and focus steady through the afternoon.
Think
- Regular meals (especially not skipping lunch)
- A balanced lunch that keeps you full (think: protein + fibre + something colourful)
- Fewer energy crashes from grabbing snacks instead of a proper meal
Make space for your lunch!
We have all done it – eaten at the desk, grabbed bits between calls, or realised at 3pm we never stopped. If you can, try this – take even 20 minutes to step away and eat your lunch mindfully.
- Step away from the screens and your desk
- Eat a proper meal, not just a few snacks
- Slow down a bit – your body will tell you when you have had enough
Why it helps
When lunch turns into constant snacking, your energy can dip and it is harder to concentrate. A real break is also a good reminder that you do not have to be “on” all the time. This can all help to improve both mental and physical wellbeing.
Practical tip: a little meal prep goes a long way
Meal prep does not have to mean cooking for hours. It can be as simple as planning 2-3 lunches and getting a few bits ready in advance.
Why it is a winner?
When lunch is already sorted, you are far more likely to eat well on busy days.
- Steadier energy: a balanced lunch helps you avoid the mid-afternoon slump
- Better choices, made easier: you decide what goes in AND what doesn’t
- Less stress: fewer last-minute lunch decisions
- Saves money: fewer expensive top-ups when you are stuck
How to start
- Choose 2–3 lunches you like and try to keep it varied
- Prep what you can (cook a batch, or chop/wash ingredients) while listening to your favourite podcast
- Pack it so it is ready to grab
Even a simple packed lunch can help you feel more satisfied and keep your energy more even across the day.
Whatever your role in Tirlan, you deserve your break. This week, try one small change: take your lunch break and eat a proper lunch. If it helps, do a little meal prep so future-you has it ready to go.
With thanks to the Tirlán Nutrition Team for sharing this article
World Health & Safety
World Health & Safety Day - a lookback
Reinforcing the importance of EHS
A key focus for 2026 is embedding psychosocial risk management into daily operations, addressing both psychological and physical risks, with greater emphasis on workplace behaviours.
Events across all locations celebrated our safety culture, with strong engagement led by Health & Safety teams. Activities included coffee mornings with H&S-branded cupcakes, World Safety Day selfie frames, and initiatives such as the SAFER Project launch in Ballyragget. A company-wide video also highlighted colleagues sharing what safety means to them. Feedback from all locations was very positive and we had great engagement on the day.
We also took a minute to recognise the significant effort and commitment across all sites to continuously improve health and safety performance and drive a positive safety culture.
Despite this strong engagement, workplace incidents have increased across 2025 and 2026, with 15 colleagues absent due to injury and 5 lost time incidents recorded in 2026 to date. Key causes include slips/trips, impact injuries, workplace transport, and machinery-related accidents.
In response, Project Recharge was launched in 2026 to strengthen our safety culture and reduce workplace injuries, placing people at the centre of everything we do.
“Nothing we do is worth getting hurt.”
People Matter. Engage in Project Recharge. Together, we prevent injuries.
Dairy & Sustainability Awards 2026
Dairy & Sustainability Awards 2026
Celebrating our leading suppliers
On Monday 27th April, we hosted the Tirlán Dairy & Sustainability Awards 2026, a key event in the Tirlán calendar that celebrates excellence, innovation and leadership among our milk suppliers.
It was a hugely positive day, bringing together farmers, judges and colleagues, and celebrating the high standards being achieved every day across our supply base.
Award winners for 2026
Overall Milk Suppliers of the Year
Shane & Kate Fitzgerald, Portlaw, Co. Waterford
Portlaw, Co Waterford based couple Shane and Kate Fitzgerald were named Tirlán Milk Suppliers of the Year. They also received the Farming Ambassador Award, recognising their leadership, innovation and commitment to producing high quality milk sustainably while actively promoting the wider dairy sector in Ireland.
Shane and Kate Fitzgerald operate a highly efficient, grass based dairy system with approximately 200 spring calving Holstein Friesian cows. Sustainability and performance are central to their approach, underpinned by ongoing investment, strong grassland management and a clear focus on animal welfare.
Passionate advocates for Irish dairy, they regularly open their farm to the public and industry groups, demonstrating how productive, profitable farming can go hand in hand with environmental responsibility and community engagement.
Congratulating all the award recipients, Tirlán Chief Executive Officer Seán Molloy said: “The farmers we are celebrating today represent the very best of our Co-op. Their willingness to embrace innovation, improve sustainability and share their experiences sets a powerful example across our supply base. While the past spring has been a challenging one on farms, the resilience and professionalism of our members gives us great confidence for the future. Tirlán remains fully committed to supporting our suppliers as they continue to build strong, sustainable family farms for generations to come.”
Regional Award Winners
- South: Aherne Family, Shanawalla Farms, Stradbally, Co. Waterford
- West: Tom & Bill Gaffney, Tullaroan, Co. Kilkenny
- East: Seamus Byrne, Athy, Co. Kildare
- North: Tim, Gillian & Roisin Fitzgerald, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois
- Northern Ireland: Hugh Harbison, Aghadowey, Coleraine, Co. Derry
Category Award Winners
- Milk Solids Growth Champion: Dan O’Reilly, Stonefield Farms, Kells, Co. Meath
- Avonmore Fresh Milk Supplier of the Year: Amanda & John Mooney, Reynoldstown Farm Partnership, Ashford, Co. Wicklow
- Sustainability Champion: Seamus Brennan, Attanagh, Co. Laois
- Farming Ambassadors: Shane & Kate Fitzgerald, Portlaw, Co. Waterford
- Young Farmers: David Fogarty & Katie O’Toole, Cantwellscourt, Co. Kilkenny
- New Entrant: Conor Wynne, Newbridge, Co. Kildare
We were also proud to recognise the vital contribution made by our milk drivers through the Milk Driver Recognition Award. This year’s recipient was Mike Ryan of William Byrne Transport, following nominations made by farmers across the co‑op.
Collaborating for Success
Behind the scenes, the awards were made possible by a significant cross‑functional effort.
The internal working group led the screening process, with Eoin O’Riordan, Bryan Harte, Matthew Moylan, Ed Colgan and Ella Ronayne involved. The external judging process was supported by Joris Somers, working closely with Pat Murphy and Siobhan Walsh. The Corporate Affairs team played a key role in coordination and communications throughout.
The day itself also reflected the wider Tirlán contribution with great care and pride shown across the business, from the dessert and Chocolate Cup created by Barry Foley and Patrick O’Mara, to the flower arrangements prepared by Helena Kelly and Joe Kelly in Tirlán CountryLife, Monasterevin.
The Dairy & Sustainability Awards continue to be an important way for us to recognise the people behind our success – our suppliers – and to reinforce the standards, ambition and pride that underpin Tirlán.
Tirlán Awarded the KeepWell Mark
Tirlán Awarded the KeepWell Mark
A collective achievement we can all be proud of
There are moments when an award really reflects what it feels like to work at Tirlán. Being awarded the Ibec KeepWell Mark is one of those moments.
The KeepWell Mark is Ireland’s leading workplace wellbeing accreditation, recognising organisations that take a genuine, evidence-based and sustained approach to wellbeing. It looks beyond policies and good intentions, focusing instead on how wellbeing shows up in everyday working life, supported by leadership and shaped by employee voice.
What makes this achievement especially meaningful is how it was reached – together.
Collaborate for Success in action
At the heart of the KeepWell journey was collaboration across teams, roles and locations. From the colleagues who shared honest feedback on what wellbeing looks like day to day, to leaders and teams embedding wellbeing into how work gets done, this was a truly collective effort.
This is our Collaborate for Success value brought to life – working together, learning from one another and building something stronger than any one team could achieve alone.
Spotlight on the KeepWell Project Team
A special word of thanks goes to the KeepWell Project Team, who brought energy, commitment and teamwork to every stage of the process: Karen O’Brien, Lisa O’Rourke, Nicola Cooney, Maria Smiddy, Shane Aston, Cathal Bryne, Liz O’Donaghue, Lorraine Moran, Mary Banks, Frankie Hogan, Violet Janikowska, Orla Dwyer, Rhona Howley.
This group worked collaboratively across People Experience, Health & Safety, HR, Communications and site teams , gathering evidence, listening to employee voice and making sure our approach to wellbeing was authentic, practical and true to who we are at Tirlán.
Setting the standard
As part of this recognition, Tirlán was also named in the Top 100 Companies Leading in Wellbeing Index 2026, highlighting organisations who are helping to set the standard for workplace wellbeing in Ireland.
This milestone belongs to all of us. It reflects the everyday conversations, small actions and shared responsibility that make Tirlán a place where people can thrive.
Thank you for the part you play and for continuing to collaborate for success. Looking ahead, we remain committed to continuously enhancing our employee wellbeing experience and offerings through our OurWellbeing programme.
Chewing the Cud with… Keren Aguinaldo
Chewing the Cud with… Keren Aguinaldo
This month, we’re heading to Dubai to catch up with Keren Aguinaldo, who supports our Ingredients business across the Middle East & Africa as a Customer Care Executive
Although originally from the Philippines, Keren was born and raised in the UAE, a place she very much considers home. Growing up in such a diverse, multicultural environment shaped her outlook from an early age, exposing her to different traditions and perspectives. Arab culture, in particular, has become a meaningful part of her identity over the years; she can read and write Arabic and has built deep cultural connections that feel very natural to her. That connection became even more personal when she married her husband, who is Jordanian and, like Keren, also grew up in the UAE.
Keren joined Tirlán in July 2019, having previously worked as a Centre Manager with Regus, where she supported Glanbia through office and facilities management. Making the move to Tirlán felt like a natural next step, and since joining, she says she’s found a genuine sense of belonging. She speaks warmly about the supportive, collaborative environment and the opportunities it’s given her to continue learning and growing.
In her role today, Keren supports customers across the Middle East & Africa, managing orders from contract right through to delivery. Her day-to-day work centres on clear communication, accurate order management and close collaboration with internal teams to keep everything moving smoothly. Customer Care plays a key role as a central coordination point, working closely with commercial, logistics and planning teams to support timely delivery while contributing to monthly sales targets.
Collaboration is a huge part of what makes the role work well. Keren works closely with teams across Customer Service, Commercial, Planning, Logistics, Quality, Category and Documentation. While the UAE is three hours ahead of Ireland, strong communication, shared responsibility and trust ensure the team stays connected. For Keren, great teamwork comes down to shared values and a collective focus on delivering together.
As a result of her great teamwork qualities, Keren was recognised at the ELT Roadshow with an Adapt to Grow award alongside Connie Murphy, Dani Morris and Lisa Stewart for their work on the Product in Transit project. The team supported the delivery of over 100 displaced containers following disruption caused by the conflict in Iran, a complex and meaningful achievement that reflects true teamwork under pressure.
There’s also plenty happening behind the scenes. Keren and the wider team are supporting several key initiatives, including Project Phoenix, which has introduced a live dashboard providing real-time visibility of orders and significantly reducing manual reporting across the business. Together, this project is helping to improve efficiency and create more streamlined ways of working across order management.
For Keren, excellent customer care is about being proactive, transparent and reliable. Staying organised, prioritising effectively and maintaining strong relationships across the business all help her deliver consistent service and manage customer expectations with care.
Living and working in the UAE offers a lifestyle that may surprise colleagues in Ireland. While recent regional uncertainty was understandably unsettling at first, Keren says seeing how seriously the UAE prioritises public safety has been reassuring. Combined with the fast‑paced, highly accessible way of life and the region’s cultural diversity, it’s a place where she continues to feel safe, supported and grounded, helped by the backing of her husband, family, colleagues and the wider Tirlán team.
Outside of work, Keren enjoys spending time with her husband as they prepare to welcome their first baby with the support of her family and friends. They make the most of life in the UAE by trying new cuisines, heading to the cinema, going to concerts and enjoying relaxed staycations during the cooler months, while playing electric guitar remains Keren’s favourite way to unwind and properly switch off at the weekends.
Thanks to Keren for sharing her story and for everything she does to support our customers and teams across the MEA region.
