Celebrating International Women’s day at Tirlán

We celebrated International Women’s Day 2024, the invaluable contributions of women in agriculture, in our facilities and the vital role of female farmers in the Irish economy and society.

We also took part in events highlighting this year’s theme: “Inspire Inclusion”.

• Anna Daly, Member Relations Manager, joined the National Dairy Council for their podcast discussion on women in agriculture and farming, in particular women under 30 who are making strides in what is a traditionally male-dominated sector.🎙️ http://bit.ly/IWDpodcast2024
• Ailish Byrne, Director of Agribusiness, was a guest speaker at the joint Macra na Feirme and Agricultural Science Association International Women’s Day event entitled ‘Resilient Industry: Adapting to Change’ on 7th March.
• Dr. Lisa (Elisabeth) Koep, Chief ESG Officer, joined the Carlow Kilkenny Skillnet, Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce and PwC Ireland for their International Women’s Day event ‘Profit and Purpose, Women Leading the Way’.
• Anna Daly, Member Relations Manager, joined Nicole Keohane, Kathryn Thomas, Sophie Bell and Frances Nash, at the recording of the NDC Podcast.

Internally, we celebrated International Women’s Day with a week-long series of events. These included a Personal Branding Masterclass conducted by Carol O’Kelly, an announcement on Riley Collaboration, and a series of webinars in partnership with VHI.

2023 Excellence Showcase ‘People’s Choice’ winners donate their €2,000 prize winnings to Focus Ireland

2023 Excellence Showcase ‘People’s Choice’ award winners Robert Kehoe and Grace O’Dwyer, alongside Micheal Phelan, presented their €2,000 prize winnings to Focus Ireland in March.

Representing the homeless charity was Patrick Jordan, who outlined the positive impact of such charitable donations in the fight against homelessness in Ireland. With the latest official figures of people registered on emergency beds at an all-time high of 13,500, 4,000 of which are children, there is no doubt that the funds will be put to good use.

The charity was selected by the team due to the prevailing and worsening homelessness crisis in Ireland. Particularly poignant are the figures around homelessness amongst children – no child should ever have to worried about having a roof over their head and this really struck a chord within the team. As a reputable charity with a long running history of having a positive impact all around Ireland, the team felt it was a suitable choice.

‘Building the Branch Network of the Future’ was the ‘People’s Choice’ project at last year’s Excellence Showcase and outlined the agri category’s strategic approach to the development of our 52 branch estate. The objective was to create a modern branch network that epitomise’s Tirlán’s vision of building a community that celebrates wholesome nutrition from the land we live and love.

The work included a rebrand of all 52 Tirlán’s store estate within a 12 month time period, along with creating a new concept store design that would inspire the communities we serve and demonstrate the new look and feel of the Tirlán brand across Ireland, with a view to all stores receiving a revamp or redevelopment within a 4-5 year period. Bunclody was selected as the pilot concept store and renovations were completed by the end of March ’23. Athboy followed in September 2023. This concept is now being rolled out across Tirlán’s Branch network.

In addition, a low carbon store was trialled in our Castlecomer branch, with a view to monitoring the impact overtime and rolling out changes across the store estate.

Four Tirlán colleagues share their experiences of Chinese New Year

Eugene Shan, Office Manager

Due to Covid-19, there was no family gathering last year. This year, we arranged a party. The weather is particularly good, which is a new and beautiful start. The dragon is an auspicious symbol and in the traditional Chinese zodiac, it is a symbol of power and prosperity.

The Spring Festival starts from New Year’s Eve. Food is the theme and rice dumpling is an essential dessert. This year’s rice dumpling is full of creativity, made into persimmons, which means “everything goes well”.

After the New Year’s Eve dinner, the most lively is the Yu Garden Lantern Festival. This year’s lantern festival is particularly beautiful. Because this year is the Year of the Loong in the lunar calendar, many of the lights are in the shape of dragons, which is particularly grand.

Clyde Chen, Chef

This Chinese New Year’s Eve, wearing my mother’s apron to prepare a big table of delicious for dinner family, there are seafood, pork, chicken, beef and blablabla. After dinner in the evening, our family also went to see the New Year fireworks – beautiful fireworks indicating new year, nice beginning. Happy Loooooooong Year.

Ivy Huang, Tea & Beverage Chef

On Chinese New Year’s Eve, I went back to Ningbo for a reunion dinner with my family, cleaned up, stayed up for the New Year and wrote the character “Fu”. The next day, we went back to the village to pay New Year’s greetings to relatives and friends, harvested some vegetables grown at home and gave them to relatives and friends. I wished everyone a Happy New Year and all the best. In the evening, I set off fireworks and firecrackers with my siblings to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the New Year. There are fish, chicken, crayfish, raw pickled crab, beef, duck tongue and other dishes on the New Year’s Eve dinner.

Barry Deng, Key Account Manager – China

The Fish Lantern Festival is a traditional activity during the Spring Festival in my hometown.

The Huizhou Fish Lantern Festival has a history of more than 600 years. Legend has it that it rarely rained in the hometown long ago, resulting in frequent fires which caused great losses to the villagers.

Later, a wise man made fish lamps to pray to the gods for rain. As a result, there was more rain, fewer fires and a good harvest of food.

Therefore every year, people hold a fish Lantern Festival to avoid disasters and pray for good luck. The fish lamp has become a symbol of luck and wealth. I hope you will have good fortune and good luck in 2024.

Each month, we put the spotlight on a Tirlán employee and for our March newsletter, we’re talking to Nick Doheny, Electrical & Instrumentation Apprentice

Nick Doheny grew up three miles outside Kilkenny City where he lives with his parents and two older sisters. Although not from a farming background, Nick spent many summer holidays working with a local farmer harvesting wheat and barley. He learned to drive at an early age and enjoyed driving machinery, transporting the grain from farm to local mills. Other tasks on the farm included manure spreading and feeding cattle.

Nick is a past pupil of St Kieran’s College, Kilkenny where he studied Agricultural Science, Construction Studies and Tech Graphics. He heard about the Apprenticeship Programme from his Career Guidance teacher at St Kieran’s College and felt that a mix of on the job training, working with his hands and study would suit him best.

“Guest speakers from the local SOLAS office gave presentations to 6th year students on the Apprenticeship Programme and the idea of a qualification that would be recognised worldwide appealed to me. My Dad had also completed an apprenticeship in Metal Fabrication and suggested that he apply for the Electrical Apprenticeship with Tirlán,” says Nick.

Currently in Phase II of his apprenticeship at LCETB Limerick, Nick is studying Electricity/Electronics and Installation Techniques. This is a 27 week programme after which he will return to his workplace at Tirlán, Belview, Co Kilkenny. “At Tirlán, I’m working as an electrical instrumentation apprentice and I’m really enjoying it. I’m learning how to carry out maintenance of machines and calibration of measuring instruments (temperature, flow and pressure transmitters) and controlling of various devices and systems. I think the Tirlán Apprenticeship Programme has really benefitted me as it allows me to earn as I learn. I’m learning new craft-related skills, knowledge and competencies from experienced craftspeople.” Nick’s role involves working to the highest hygiene and health & safety standards. He has learned a range of new work-related skills, working with different teams on a regular basis and adapting to how his work colleagues carry out different tasks.

Nick enjoys working independently or as part of a team.  “Aspects of the work include working on machines and using a variety of specialised hand tools, power tools and equipment. The programme has been designed to allow employees demonstrate their individual skills and talents and to reach their full potential while learning from others, which is something I really like about it.”

Nick would advise others who are considering applying for the Tirlán Apprenticeship Programme to ensure they have a good understanding of the role. “A good flair for physics, mathematics and technical diagrams is essential. Other skills required include planning and organisational skills, problem solving and good attention to detail.”

Nick has played hurling from an early age, playing for St Kieran’s College and Dicksboro Hurling Club. He has also played on the Kilkenny Minor Team. Along with hurling, Nick enjoys running and the gym.

Indian born Production Planner Soumily Mallick shares her thoughts on diversity at Tirlán

During the final month of embracing our spotlight value, Celebrate Individuality, we will shine a light on diversity, with interviews from some of our remarkable colleagues who will be sharing their stories of how they Celebrate Individuality in Tirlán. First up we have Soumily Mallick.

The Hidden Gem of Europe

Soumily Mallick was born in India and has lived in various regions of India, speaking multiple languages which she attributes to a very mobile upbringing! She completed her undergraduate degree in Fashion Technology in 2017, providing her with the opportunity to work overseas in countries like Oman and Jordan. This experience sparked her interest in studying supply chain management and ultimately led her to pursue a Master’s degree in Ireland at Carlow IT (now known as part of the South East Technological University). It was her father’s love of Irish music that led her to looking to Ireland as a place to pursue her further education.

Soumily has been working as a Material Planner for Soup Plant in Tirlán since July 2023, where she plays an important role given the seasonal nature of our industry. She is very grateful for being part of such a supportive and welcoming team and is particularly proud of the diverse nature of their group with individuals from countries including Nigeria, Mexico and India. She appreciates that her team mates show such curiosity and interest in her culture but equally, she enjoys learning about the Irish culture through experiences such as following Irish rugby.

While Soumily’s original plans to study in Australia were thrown off course due to Covid, she found her way to Ireland and has fully embraced the opportunity to immerse herself in a new culture. When it comes to her Irish experience she speaks warmly of the family-oriented nature of the Irish people, drawing parallels to the values she holds dear in her own culture in India. The importance of family, gatherings (and goodbyes) are just some of the parallels she draws between the two cultures, although admits there are some differences when it comes to taste in food!

Showing just how much Soumily has engaged with the Irish mindset, she brought up the challenges of the Irish weather and how different it is from a much warmer climate in India. The stark contrast in daylight hours between summer and winter in Ireland presents a challenge for her, as she navigates the impact of the changing seasons on her physical and mental well-being. “I am realising that winter is time for hibernation, that’s how the nature works, and I need to adapt to that.”

Soumily admires the positive and enthusiastic nature of the Irish people, finding comfort in their attitude even in challenging times. She has embraced Irish traditions like Christmas dinners and sees Ireland as a hidden gem in Europe, advocating for more recognition of its diverse culture. She mentions, “I am so glad I got the opportunity to live and work in Ireland and embrace it’s unique culture.”

To help foster inclusivity and individuality in Tirlán, Soumily suggests celebrating cultural festivals like Diwali to promote a better understanding of different traditions. She highlights the importance of sharing cultural backgrounds through food, traditions and storytelling to create a more diverse and inclusive community.

It’s evident that Soumily has truly embraced her Irish experience and how her diverse background and experiences have shaped her perspective on culture, adaptation and the importance of inclusivity in a community like Tirlán.

February 2024 saw the launch of the Tirlán Living Proof e-Learning module for all employees, which aligns with our value of Adapt to Grow!

This e-Learning is based on our Living Proof sustainability pillars of Carbon Reduction, Regenerative Agriculture, Circular Economy, Natural Nutrition and Growing Together and aims to give all employees an understanding of what the pillars mean and how the targets are being met across Tirlán, with live examples, top tips and quizzes to support your learning throughout.

Adapt To Grow!
This module shows how working collaboratively across all business functions enables the whole of Tirlán to meet our Living Proof targets, whether through carbon reduction, nutrition or on farm projects. Fresh ideas and flexibility allow teams to adapt to the needs of Living Proof which delivers for our customers and the planet.

Each segment in our e-Learning has case studies presented by employees from across our business who highlight how they are living and implementing our Living Proof Strategy daily.

It’s vital that Living Proof becomes part of who we are every day and we are confident the e-Learning will help with this ambition!

Enjoy even more ceol agus craic at this year’s Kilkenny Tradfest with a special discount code

The eleventh Kilkenny Tradfest promises to be the best yet, with a line-up packed full of both trad legends and young blood. Taking place between the 15th and 18th March, the festival coincides with St. Patrick’s weekend and capitalises on the unique strength of Kilkenny’s hospitality and creative culture to deliver an event which is truly unique and steeped in heritage.

This year’s line-up includes firm favourites such as Shaskeen, Clancy’s Kitchen, Hothouse Flowers, John Spillane, Clare Sands and the Kilfenora Céilí Band.

Kilkenny has so many wonderful pubs and venues, too numerous to mention, so the best advice is to book a ticket for an evening gig and hit the Trad Trail early in the day. If you get lost, just follow the sound of the music!

Each month, we put the spotlight on a Tirlán employee and for our February newsletter, we’re talking to Amber Taylor, Regional Director Americas

Amber Taylor, Regional Director Americas, grew up on a large crop farm in Missouri and her role is to grow the market across the USA, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Latin America and South America, now that we have more freedom in sales.

The MBA graduate is on a mission to make Tirlán the go-to ingredient supplier and is passionate about building strong relationships with customers, both inside and outside of work.

Amber joined Tirlán in September of last year. She lives in St. Louis, Missouri with her husband Ben and three boys – Conor (4), Cooper (2) and Caden (10 months) and works closely with the network she has built over past experiences to marry value-add customers with Tirlán’s excellence.

“I have also been tasked to look for mergers and acquisitions (M&A) opportunities in the region to grow the Tirlán portfolio. Everyone is so kind and helpful. The diverse ingredient profile is challenging in a very positive way. We can bring Tirlán to many different companies through many different applications. I love my trips to Ireland! I am very thankful for the opportunity to grow Tirlán into a household world-class brand.

“Technology and innovation are at the forefront of changes. When I think there couldn’t possibly be more ideas to do with milk, lo and behold something pops up. One that really stands out is the cell-based agriculture and precision fermentation. It will no way take over the dairy industry, but it will surely be there to supplement dairy needs with food supply needs increasing and land resources decreasing.”

Customers make the business and Amber is proud to have cultivated many different customers with several top companies over the years. “Face to face visits with customers are the best way to develop relationships. I get to know the customers I manage. Most customers want to be heard and it’s my job to listen. Once I have heard what they really need, which is sometimes different than what they think they want, I offer suggestions and we work on things together.

“I like the teamwork approach. I get to know customers outside of work as much as possible. We develop strong relationships and keep up with each other’s families over the years. It is important to understand what drives the customers to help make the business most successful.

“The customers I work with are in various business sectors such as sports nutrition, infant nutrition, active lifestyle and foods. These customers applications’ include bars, dry mix beverages, ready to drink beverages, dips, yogurts, ice cream, snacks, cereals, bakery and the list goes on!”

As Amber continues to grow into her role, she is eager to continue the Tirlán legacy of world-class, increasing value-add customers in the region, thus equating to higher returns to the farmers for their milk and investments.

“Flexibility is key! Customers have ever-changing needs and it is important to pivot to those needs so that the business can continue to deliver world-class ingredients and service. This business is not a one person show, but rather a team that makes all the business come together. The US is poised for growth. I would love to see Tirlán invest in assets in the US from dairy and plant,” she said.

As for hobbies and interests outside of work? “I love spending time with my family. We try to do a beach trip once a year. We love to visit family, which is about 2-3 hours south of us. We love to go to the farm and take in the slower pace of life and get our hands dirty in the fields and with the animals.

“When not working or busy with the three boys, I love to entertain and cook. I don’t do anything fancy, but it’s a good relaxed time with plenty of seconds. I also enjoy gardening. We moved into our home about a year ago. My husband and I have lots of outdoor projects we want to do.”