With a variety of roles on offer, Tirlán’s apprenticeship programme has opened for applications

We are thrilled to announce that the 2025 Apprenticeship Programme is now open for applications. If you know anyone who might be interested in kickstarting their career with us, please encourage them to apply.

Available Roles:

• Electrical Instrumentation – Ballyragget
• Electrical Instrumentation – Virginia
• Mechanical Automation & Maintenance Fitting (MAMF) – Ballyragget
• Mechanical Automation & Maintenance Fitting (MAMF) – Belview
• Mechanical Automation & Maintenance Fitting (MAMF) – Virginia

‘Voice of the Customer’ helps to ensure our business evolves with our customers’ needs

Since its official launch in January 2024, the Tirlán Ingredients Voice of the Customer (VOC) program has been a game-changer, driving customer satisfaction to enable value-add growth through customer-centric initiatives.

The Tirlán Ingredients Voice of the Customer (VOC) program is a pivotal initiative aimed at enhancing customer experience and driving business growth. While the program was officially launched in January 2024, we have been on the journey to improve our customer experience over recent years. Commercial initiatives on this journey have included developing our technical and solution selling capability through collaborations with R&D; the development of the Tirlán Innovation Centre in Ballyragget and the Customer Experience Centre in Abbey Quarter; value creation through collaboration with the Agri Farm and ESG teams; digital transformation through the implementation of C4C and the creation of the cross functional category HUBs. The VOC program also consolidates many other customer-centric initiatives from across the business to drive improvements and ensure a more customer-focused approach.

The VOC program is spearheaded by Seán Molloy and Ann Meaney with the primary objective to better understand customer needs, improve product and service offerings and establish a baseline to measure performance over time.

In 2024, an extensive quantitative research survey was conducted with 126 of our Ingredients customers. The research involved structured surveys across multiple languages and regions. This research provides us with valuable insights with feedback direct from our customers. It highlighted that Tirlán Ingredients has a strong relationship with its customers, with key strengths including product quality and honouring commitments. This is a powerful tool for staying attuned to the market and ensuring our business evolves with our customers’ needs.

Watch: In-studio Agriland interview with Seán Molloy

Tirlán CEO Seán Molloy sat down in studio with the online farming news portal Agriland before Christmas. The wide-ranging interview looked back at the weather challenges and supports offered by Tirlán throughout early 2024.

Looking ahead to 2025, it highlighted the importance of protecting water quality to give Ireland the best chance of retaining the Nitrates Derogation. With milk supply volumes recovering to surpass 3 billion litres collected over the year, Seán Molloy highlighted that global commodity markets were looking positive for early 2025.

Members of Tirlán’s graduate programme made great strides forward in their career in 2024

Our Graduate Programme offers a series of real-world learning experiences that help you build confidence in your abilities and flourish in your careers. Let’s take a look back at the exciting and eventful year we had in 2024.

Visit to The Orchard Farm

In early February, graduates visited The Orchard Farm near Tinahely, Co. Wicklow, managed by Tirlán suppliers Joe and Michael Hayden. Joe guided the group through the farm’s 150-year history and showcased the state-of-the-art milking parlour. The visit highlighted the family’s commitment to sustainability and efficiency, allowing graduates to see where Tirlán’s journey begins with grass-fed cows producing naturally nutritious milk.

Engagement with Agri Aware

In March, graduates collaborated with Agri Aware for the Walk & Talk Farm Series, representing Tirlán and speaking to students about careers in the agri-food sector, potentially inspiring future Tirlán graduates.

Site Visit to Portlaoise

In May, graduates visited the feed and oat mills in Portlaoise. Martin Gorman and Diarmuid Doran provided an overview and tours of the mills, giving graduates a comprehensive understanding of the manufacturing processes involved in producing high-quality products.

September Milestones

September marked the beginning for 16 new graduates joining the 2024 Unearth Your Future Graduate Programme. They participated in workshops, company overviews and team-building activities. Additionally, the 2022 cohort was recognised for completing their graduate journey, showcasing their CI projects and receiving commendations for their agility in navigating changes over the past few years.

Graduate Mentoring Programme Kicks-Off

The 2023 Graduate cohort began their second year with a mentoring programme, focusing on personal growth and skill-building. They completed modules on personal impact, high-performing teams and understanding others and had a chance to meet with Tirlán Board members during a module in September.

End of Year Networking Event

The year concluded with the first Unearth Your Future networking event in early December at the Atrium in Abbey Quarter. Graduates connected with senior leaders in a relaxed setting, sharing perspectives and ideas, underscoring Tirlán’s commitment to developing future leaders.

As we look ahead to 2025, we are filled with excitement and anticipation for the future. We are confident that our graduates will continue to make a significant impact on our company, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. We look forward to seeing their growth and contributions as they embark on the next chapter of their careers with Tirlán. Here’s to another year of success and development!

Another successful year, 2024 was defined by our achievements and hard work

As we look back on the past 12 months, it’s been a year of both challenges and incredible achievements for Tirlán. Delivering our successes is all thanks to the hard work, dedication and unwavering commitment of team Tirlán.

Celebrating our Achievements – take a look back at our 2024 highlights:

Wishing you the best for the New Year, here’s to a bright and successful 2025.

We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of our colleagues and shareholders who have graduated from various courses, showcasing their commitment to career progression, training and development

Retail Supervision Apprenticeship Graduates

Six of our retail branch colleagues have successfully completed the two-year Apprenticeship in Retail Supervision. This rigorous programme, which includes modules in operational management, finance, legal, health & safety, leadership and customer service, is designed to equip participants with the skills needed to excel in the retail industry.

The graduates have shown remarkable dedication and hard work, balancing their full-time roles with their studies. The apprenticeship required two in-person days and two online days per month, along with extensive project work aimed at making improvements in their respective branches. Their projects and newly acquired knowledge have already made significant contributions to our branch network, and they are eager to continue applying their skills in the business.

• Yvonne O’Neill – FarmLife Raheen (Mentor: Seamus O’Dea)
• Eimear Lynam – CountryLife Monasterevin (Mentor: Keith Hosey)
• William Daly – CountryLife Castlelyons (Mentor: Joe Barry)
• John Devitt – CountryLife Rathdrum (Mentor: Robert Kehoe)
• Michael Fitzpatrick – FarmLife Ballycanew (Mentor: Ben Furney)
• Niall Behan – FarmLife Ballitore (Mentor: Keith Hosey)

Each graduate was supported by a dedicated mentor who provided invaluable guidance throughout the program. The mentors played a crucial role in supporting and guiding the graduates as they navigated their professional and academic commitments. The graduates celebrated their achievement alongside 100 fellow graduates from various retail sectors in Athlone last month.

Looking ahead, we are excited to see the next cohort of apprentices, who are just starting their second year of the program, graduate this time next year.

Sustainable Farming Academy Graduates

We are also thrilled to announce that 18 of our dedicated Tirlán dairy farmers graduated as the second cohort from the Tirlán & Baileys Sustainable Farming Academy! Their achievement in earning a Diploma in Environment, Sustainability, and Climate from UCC is a testament to their hard work and commitment to sustainable farming practices.

The course was based around the dairy farmer’s year, allowing participants to balance their studies with the busy calving period. Our 23/24 graduates have reflected on the key benefits of completing the Sustainable Farming Academy course, including meeting like-minded farmers who are willing to take on the environmental challenge.

A huge thank you to UCC, Baileys and all our internal stakeholders for their support in this vital initiative. Together, we’re empowering our farmers to embrace sustainability and make a lasting impact in our communities.

26 Tirlán Suppliers Complete Governance Academy Level 1 – ‘Sowing the Seeds’

Sowing the Seeds participants completed a comprehensive programme that included two online modules, a day at Abbey Quarter, and a visit to Ballyragget’s Innovation Centre and plant. The programme aimed to provide participants with a deeper understanding of the Tirlán representative structure and foster connections within the Co-op community.

The group was notably diverse, comprising 15 women and 11 men from across the Tirlán catchment area, with 11 participants under the age of 35. The mix included current shareholders and individuals exploring the potential of share transfers from family members. While most participants had no prior experience with the Tirlán representative structure, some had recently taken up designated seats in their regions and were eager to learn more about their Co-op.

Congratulations to all our graduates! Your dedication and achievements are a true testament to the commitment Tirlán has to career progression, training, and development. We look forward to seeing the continued positive impact you will make in our business and communities.

Tirlán highlights the importance of partnership for true transformation at key Sustainability Conference

Ireland’s potential to be an ‘agrarian superpower’ was highlighted at AIB’s Sustainability Conference that explored the global climate challenges and opportunities amid a growing world population.

Less than 48 hours after the COP 29 brought together nearly 200 countries in Baku, Azerbaijan, over 800 people joined the eighth AIB Conference in the RDS and a further 10,000 online as it explored the transition to a low carbon future at a global and local level.

Tirlán had the opportunity to highlight the importance of partnership and the role that co-ops can play in addressing challenges collaboratively to deliver change.

Tirlán’s Chief ESG Officer Lisa Koep highlighted the action being taken along the supply chain to reduce the carbon footprint, as she joined a panel including influential macroeconomist Sony Kapoor; Gonzalo Muñoz, Chair of Food Strategy, NSA Directive Committee, COP 28; and Nicholas Reynolds, Head of ESG at O’Brien Fine Foods.

With ‘low hanging fruit’ already actioned on the drive to lower emissions, the discussion moved towards the future cost of delivering and adapting to new technologies.

“Having been a first mover in a lot of these instances, it is challenging for us now as a lot of the ‘win-win’ scenarios are gone. Energy efficiency and environmental management systems has happened decades ago for us now. So it is more challenging for us to go after these innovations,” said Lisa Koep.

“What we are talking about is quite expensive shifts in farm practices which require funding. So when we look at it – how we support that funding is key. Firstly, grant aiding or incentives, access to finance and returns in the market place. The added value to the process in the chain needs to be reflected in the price.”

The conference spoke about growing concern over the physical impact of climate change at a global level with extreme weather events, yet the positives were also highlighted, with new technologies and innovation accelerating the potential for change.

The growing requirement for food security was also addressed in line with growth in the world population as it now tops eight billion.

Following his discussions at COP 29 conference, Gonzalo Muñoz finished on a positive note by highlighting acceleration in the pace of new technology, the potential around renewables and energy generation.

Despite the many challenges, including methane produced by the rumen of cattle and sheep, Sony Kapoor spoke to the potential of Ireland to become an ‘agrarian superpower’ in a world where there is growing demand by six billion people if progress continues to be made on GHG emissions.

Less than 48 hours after COP29 concluded, the conference heard from a number of global thought leaders including Hollywood actor Edward Norton and United Nations Goodwill Ambassador for Biodiversity and former President Mary Robinson, who highlighted the need for long view leadership with co-creation by different generations to help move towards solutions.

Each month, we put the spotlight on a Tirlán employee. For our November newsletter, we’re talking to Business Development Manager Tommy Maher

In this edition of Chewing the Cud, we are excited to feature Tommy Maher, a Business Development Manager for Oat Ingredients, focusing on the European region. Tommy’s journey with us began in May 2022.

Tommy grew up on a dairy farm in Loughmore, Co Tipperary, where he developed a strong interest in the agriculture and food sectors. He pursued his passion by studying Agricultural Science at University College Dublin (UCD) and later completed a Master’s in Food Business and Technology at Technological University Dublin (TUD).

Before joining Tirlán, Tommy worked with two dairy companies. His career started with Ornua, where he was mostly based in Manchester with their dairy powder blending business, Ornua Nutrition. He then moved on to Glenstal Foods, focusing on dairy commodities sales into export markets like South East Asia. These experiences have equipped Tommy with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the dairy industry.

At Tirlán, Tommy serves as a Business Development Manager for Oat Ingredients, focusing on the European region. His role involves selling the applications of Tirlán oat ingredients, which are used in traditional products such as porridge, cereals, and bakery items, as well as in non-dairy applications like beverages, yogurt, and ice cream. These non-dairy applications are experiencing significant growth, and Tommy is excited for the future of Oat Ingredients at Tirlán.

Tommy says: “The most enjoyable part of my job is getting to grow relationships with new customers. The plant-based market is experiencing major growth at the moment and oat ingredients are one of the highest used grains in this market.”

He believes customer experience and engagement are key to winning in this space. “Bringing customers to the Portlaoise Oatmill, Abbey Quarter Customer Experience Centre and the Ballyragget Innovation Centre is key to collaborating and innovating with our customers.

“Customers always leave the Oatmill with the confidence that Tirlán oat ingredients are produced to the highest quality. Visits to the Innovation Centre or Customer Experience Centre in Abbey Quarter allow us to showcase our ingredients in application, which will provoke new ideas or allow us to have deeper conversations about our customers’ needs and how we can meet them. In short, the impact from customer visits is many times larger than online or Teams meetings and is vital for growth with customers.”

Attending tradeshows has been another highlight for Tommy in his career to date at Tirlán. “Tradeshows are a great place to meet current customers and build rapport, which is easier to do in person. They are also important for prospecting customers and building your opportunity pipeline, while also building your knowledge of the market, whether that is innovations, trends, or competitors.”

Outside of work, Tommy has a big interest in sports and is involved with his local GAA club, Loughmore-Castleiney. “We have had a great year this year, winning the Tipperary Senior Championship in both Hurling and Football. I also help out with coaching the underage teams when I can.

Tommy looks forward to plant-based continuing to grow. “The plant-based market has seen impressive growth over the past few years, which makes it a hugely exciting industry to be involved in. That doesn’t mean the market hasn’t seen some challenges, with Oatly and other large manufacturers experiencing some challenges in recent years, but overall the plant-based trend is here to stay and will continue to grow.”

Tirlán Milk Supplier Open Days: A successful showcase of industry excellence

Nearly 2,000 dairy suppliers gathered at our Tirlán Ballyragget facility on September 24-25 for the Tirlán Milk Supplier Open Days. This event offered suppliers an opportunity to explore the journey of their milk from farm to market. Through guided tours, panel discussions and interactive exhibits, Tirlán highlighted its commitment to transparency, innovation and sustainability within the dairy industry.

The Ballyragget facility, one of Tirlán’s high-tech processing sites, processes over 1.2 billion litres of milk delivered by our farmers and employs over 390 people. The facility has evolved over decades to produce over 230 thousand tonnes of finished product, 250 million litres of cream and 1.3 billion litres of whey. Even during the Open Days, the facility processed over 7 million litres of milk.
Attendees witnessed first-hand how the milk they supply is transformed into award-winning consumer brands and high-quality dairy ingredients sold globally. Suppliers were also introduced to Tirlán’s Innovation Centre, where new products and processes are continuously developed, driving the Co-op’s competitive edge in international markets. From high-end bakeries in China to whey now in over 80 countries, our mini ‘Expo’ experience provided a flavour of the constant innovation at work in our dairy and grains portfolio.

John Murphy, Chairperson of Tirlán, expressed his pride in welcoming suppliers to the event, noting the strong turnout and positive atmosphere. He acknowledged the tough challenges farmers face on an ongoing basis. “It was wonderful to have the opportunity to bring so many of our suppliers into our Tirlán facility to follow the milk from their farm gate and out to consumers around the world. I was delighted to see almost 2,000 of our dairy suppliers enjoy meeting with the teams that process and market their high-quality raw ingredients to over 95 countries across the globe.”

Tirlán CEO Seán Molloy commented: “We organised this event to provide our suppliers with an insight into the breadth of our Co-op, the new products coming on stream and our teams working on their behalf right across the globe every day. There remains a strong demand for dairy right across the world. We continue to innovate through our world-class R&D Centre and our talented teams to bring our quality Irish milk and grains to market globally. It was excellent to give our suppliers an insight into our Avonmore Professional range reaching new markets in China, demand for our cheese, butter and our proteins in the marketplace. It all starts with our family farms and we hope that suppliers left the Open Days at Ballyragget with a sense of pride in their own businesses and the co-operative that they 100% own.”

The open days were not just an opportunity for suppliers to tour the facility but also a forum for discussions on key issues such as water quality, the nitrates derogation and sustainability initiatives. The event reflected Tirlán’s commitment to keeping its farmers informed and engaged, ensuring that they are part of the co-op’s long-term strategy. The Agri team was also on hand to offer advice and showcase some of their initiatives, including the GAIN Momentum Milk Solids Tracker, Twenty20 Calf-to-Beef Programme, and FarmGen solar PV solutions.

Well done to all involved in the organisation and facilitation of these events, the Open Days were a testament to Tirlán’s dedication to excellence and innovation in the dairy industry.