Employee Engagement Survey deadline extended to October 6^th

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all employees who have taken the time to complete the Employee Engagement Survey 2024. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us understand your experiences and identify areas where we can improve.

We are pleased to announce that the survey deadline has been extended to midnight on the 6th of October. If you haven’t had the chance to complete the survey yet, we strongly encourage you to do so. This survey is a crucial tool for making your voice heard and ensuring that your opinions and suggestions are taken into account.

As a reminder, you can access the survey via QR codes on local screens and posters or by following this link: Click here. You’ll also receive reminder emails from Glint, our survey partner. Remember to add comments as you answer the questions by clicking the ‘+’ button under the rating.

Thank you once again for your participation and for helping us make Tirlán a great place to work.

Mooju Banana is back and to celebrate, we’ve got a €100 One4all voucher to give away

Minister McConalogue launches Diageo Baileys Champion Dairy Cow competition

Tirlán are thrilled to announce the continuation of our partnership with Diageo Ireland for the esteemed Diageo Baileys Champion Dairy Cow competition, set to take place at the Virginia Show on August 21st. The event’s recent launch in Dublin was graced by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D., who praised the enduring supply chain relationship between the two companies, centred around the ‘hero’ raw ingredient of Baileys, Irish dairy cream.

Aoife Murphy, Chief Ingredients Officer at Tirlán, expressed her enthusiasm at the launch: “Our suppliers are committed to delivering only the best cream from herds of cows every day to ensure Baileys is enjoyed throughout the world. We are delighted to be a key partner with Diageo in hosting a competition that celebrates the excellence, commitment and ongoing innovation of Irish family farms.”

This partnership not only highlights the quality of Irish dairy but also the strong community and innovation within our agricultural sector. Join us in celebrating this tradition of excellence and the hardworking individuals who make it possible.

Pictured L-R: Shane Kelly, Corporate Relations Director, Diageo Ireland; Aoife Murphy, Chief Ingredients Officer, Tirlán; and Minister Charlie McConalogue

Recently-appointed Fulfilment & Warehouse Manager, Eoin Murphy, is gearing up for a busy few weeks ahead as plans for this year’s Tour de Tirlán step up and he and colleagues prepare for the major fundraising event in early September.

The father of two celebrated 25 years with Tirlán last year, starting with the Coop when it was Avonmore Waterford. He’s as active in his downtime as he is in the busy work role and revels in the voluntary work he does within his community as a camogie coach at weekends. He also enjoys the time he spends with his wife, Mary, a primary school teacher, and their two daughters, Sarah and Katy.

“I was with the company 25 years last March. I started off as a seasonal operator and worked my way up through the ranks in various operation management roles in Ballyragget, including a stint at the old Norefreeze facility. I did some cheese grading for a while and then moved to Belview in 2015, 10 years ago now. Prior to commencing this role I was Operational Readiness Planner (ORP) lead on Project Topaz and Change Manager on Project Symphony. In January 2024 I took over from a former mentor of mine, Mark Shortall who retired from this role in May. He’s was so highly regarded not alone in the business but in the wider industry, I’ve big shoes to try to  fill.

“Tirlán is a great place to work. I have found it to be a safe and professional place to work where you can share your views and not be afraid to voice them. There’s great camaraderie and whether you work remotely or in the office,  there is back-up and support. Everyone is valued and works together.

“In a role like this, you need the entire team working together. In early 2024 there were serious challenges posed by the Red Sea crisis. Ships were being attacked on route through the Red Sea and this caused real danger to the vessels but also added delays and detours to our customers product.

“These delays caused challenges for customers  in terms of tariffs, surcharges and timings. It created huge logistical challenges but working together with our internal and external stakeholders, we worked through these. I am privileged to have great people on our team, who are able to handle such crisis’s and challenges.”

This is the 13th year that the charity cycle will run and Eoin has big hopes. “It’s an event that is getting bigger and better every year. Not only does it raise significant funds for worthy charities, it is also a great social occasion for all involved. The work that goes in from people on the Tour de Tirlán committee through to our cycle day volunteers is phenomenal and it’s now an annual event that people look forward to every year.

“Tirlán is a massive organisation with people spread across so many different sites. It’s great to get everyone together for this event and to promote cycling as a leisure and pleasure pastime for people. It’s great to get out on the bike after a busy week and get out in the fresh air. It’s always a great few days and we’d encourage anyone who hasn’t yet registered to do so.”

Robert O’Sullivan, Sales Manager, GAIN Pet Nutrition explains why we continue to develop our food sourcing only quality ingredients from our trusted suppliers.

GAIN Pet Nutrition is excited to launch GAIN Elite Grain-Free to customers seeking a high-quality, high-value grain-free dog food.

The GAIN Elite Grain-Free range is available in two flavours, containing fresh Chicken and fresh Salmon, and is expertly formulated using natural ingredients in two different products specifically tailored to your size of the dog. Research has revealed that big and small dogs have different nutritional requirements, which is why at GAIN we have tailor-made our food specifically to the needs of your pet dog.

 Why chose GAIN Elite Grain-Free?

• ENHANCED PALATABILITY
  Contains fresh chicken/salmon plus a scientific balance of high-quality ingredients.
• STRONG BONES & TEETH
  Our unique TruCal® ingredient provides a source of real Calcium from milk combined with Vitamin D and Phosphorous.
• VITALITY & NATURAL IMMUNITY
  Contains a unique blend of all the essential Vitamins, protected* Minerals, and Antioxidants. *(Chelated Minerals for increased absorption)
• GOOD DIGESTION
  Contains soluble fibers plus Prebiotic FOS that support the growth of beneficial bacteria and flora in your dog’s colon and may help alleviate symptoms related to gastrointestinal (GI) upset.
• EXTRA PROTEIN & ENERGY
  Contains high levels of top-quality fresh Protein and Fat, required by big dogs.
• SKIN, COAT, BRAIN & VISION
  Scientifically balanced with the optimum Omega-3* to Omega-6 ratio.*(extra Omega-3 fatty acids added)
• GOOD JOINT MOBILITY
  Precise blend of Glucosamine, MSM, and Omega oils, to help with joint care and mobility in larger dogs.

The new range comes in 100% recyclable, resealable packaging, making it easier for pet owners to look after the environment and keep their pets’ food fresher for longer.
Robert O’Sullivan, Sales Manager, GAIN Pet Nutrition said ‘At GAIN we care about your pets, and that is why we continue to develop our food sourcing only quality ingredients from our trusted suppliers. Through our years of expertise in both human and pet food, we transform these ingredients into the very best quality nutrition for your dog. The GAIN Elite Grain Free recipe is expertly formulated without grain and naturally provides everything a thriving dog needs – in one complete, sensitive, and hypoallergenic dog food’.

For many dog owners, the health and wellbeing of their pet is just as important to them as their own, according to Joris Somers, Tirlán’s dedicated in-house vet. ‘Only the best will do for every member of many families, and that includes their pet. That is why the new GAIN Elite Grain-Free dog food range incorporates fresh protein and targets key health benefits for your dog. It’s made using natural ingredients, with no additives or preservatives, all tailored to the pet’s evolving needs.

Each month, we put the spotlight on a Tirlán employee and for our June newsletter, we’re talking to Kevin Dunne, Digital Manager for Ingredients

Kevin, originally from Wexford and now residing in Carlow with his wife, Emma, and two kids, Rían (6) and Éabha (4). He enjoys playing golf, going to the gym, and watching rugby in his spare time. He began his career through a graduate program at O2 Ireland, where he gained valuable experience in customer care, marketing, and HR. His journey led him to Audi Ireland as a Digital Manager, where he contributed to digital projects in collaboration with AUDI AG.

In 2019, Kevin joined Tirlán as a Digital Manager for Ingredients and played a pivotal role in Project Engage (C4C), a digital transformation initiative aimed at enhancing customer engagement and streamlining business processes.

C4C is a customer engagement platform and a key strategic plan enabler, helping the Commercial Ingredients team to grow value-add across both dairy and plant-based portfolios while optimising the core ingredient offering. The platform’s innovative features have shifted the focus from traditional to digital channels, providing comprehensive data for decision-making through reporting dashboards and analytics.

More recently, Kevin has taken on the role of Business Owner for Project Phoenix, Ingredients’ order fulfilment project, which involves working cross functionally with Customer Service, Logistics and Planning, and Finance.
Kevin’s expertise also extends to Account Based Marketing (ABM), a strategy that targets specific accounts for business engagement. Utilising Web Insights, Kevin and the Commercial team can identify businesses visiting the Ingredients website, gather insights on employee roles and interests, and develop personalised messaging for direct communication. This strategy was successfully implemented for the launch of Promiko WPI and has been extended to other categories, demonstrating its influence on the new business development pipeline.

A key aspect of Kevin’s work is the emphasis on collaboration and efficiency. The C4C project was a testament to the ‘Collaborate for Success’ ethos, involving a cross-functional team of 54 key personnel from across the business who were involved in the development phase, which was managed by the core project team which included Hannah Galligan and Carol Power, and underpinned by great support from Aoife Murphy and Ann Meaney.

The project’s success hinged on having the right team, a strong change management program, and a cultural shift to embrace new ways of working.

Looking ahead, Kevin envisions a transformative future for B2B digital marketing, driven by advancements in AI technologies such as Generative AI and Large Language Models. These innovations promise to enhance content creation, personalisation, trend analysis, and customer service, marking a new era in digital marketing’s evolution.

Throughout his career, Kevin has demonstrated a commitment to innovation, customer engagement, and strategic marketing. His contributions have not only shaped Tirlán’s digital landscape but also set the stage for the company’s continued growth and success in the ever-evolving world of digital marketing.

A New Masterbrand name for our US Portfolio

The agricultural landscape is ever-evolving and with it, the brands that represent the industry’s finest products. In a strategic move to unify its diverse product range under a single banner, Truly Grass Fed has renamed to Truly Family Farms, a decision that marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey. It is not a packaging change of existing products, it’s simply an umbrella Masterbrand name to talk about our whole portfolio, both dairy and oat, under one name.

The initiative was not merely a change in name but a thoughtful process to simplify the brand’s narrative for consumers and retailers. Since its inception in 2019, Truly Grass Fed has been synonymous with quality dairy products. However, with the expansion into oat milk through Truly Gluten Free, the US based team in Chicago saw an opportunity to create a Masterbrand that encapsulates all its offerings, paving the way for future growth and innovation.

The journey to Truly Family Farms began in Q4 of 2023, with consumer focus group research in key U.S. markets. The goal was to ensure the new Masterbrand resonated with the target market, dubbed ‘Foodie Explorers,’ and competitive users. The research involved exposing focus groups to potential Masterbrand names and future innovation launches, gathering insights and qualitative consumer sentiment that would inform the final branding decision.

A team led by Jaclyn Crabbe and Nicola O’Connell, in partnership with advertising agency SRG (Sterling Rice Group), spearheaded the project. They were supported by key team members who contributed through stakeholder interviews and feedback including Conor O’Donovan, Kevin Honan, Noel Larkin, Ulrik Nyberg, Niamh Parlon and Michelle Lei.

Truly Family Farms reflects Tirlán’s ethos and values, emphasising the brand’s roots as a 100% farmer-owned cooperative based in Ireland. The brand’s narrative intertwines the wisdom of traditional farming with modern innovation, highlighting a commitment to compassionate food production for people, animals and the planet. The initiative aligns with Tirlán’s core values, positioning the company for further growth and innovation while underscoring its identity as a custodian of the land.

The introduction of Truly Family Farms to the American market was strategised as a ‘soft launch,’ given that it did not necessitate any action from consumers or retailers already familiar with Truly Grass Fed. The transition involved updating social media handles and merging existing websites into a cohesive platform, trulyfamilyfarms.com. A new website with modern functionality and an updated look is set to launch in mid-July, further solidifying the brand’s presence.

• Truly Family Farms | Facebook
• Truly Family Farms (@trulyfamilyfarms) • Instagram photos and videos
• Truly Family Farms (@trulyfamilyfarms) | TikTok
• Truly Family Farms | LinkedIn

Pictured at the cheque presentation to Breast Cancer Ireland are three generations of the Young family from Young Nurseries, the plant supplier who supported Tirlán CountryLife on the campaign. Pictured (L-R) are Rachel Young and Margaret Hennessy from Kilfinane; Karen Walsh from Breast Cancer Ireland; Jess Kelly, Tirlán Retail Marketing Manager; Senan Foley, Tirlán Head of Retail; Nuala Young, Young Nurseries Kilfinane; and Theresa Harper, Tirlán CountryLife Castlecomer Horticulturist

Tirlán CountryLife Plant Pink campaign raises over €15,000 for Breast Cancer Ireland

Fifteen Tirlán CountryLife garden centres in Leinster and Munster and online at CountryLife.ie ran the Plant Pink Campaign. Customers bought a special ‘Tickled Pink’ Dianthus flower to help raise funds and awareness for Breast Cancer Ireland.

This year’s Plant Pink Campaign, organised by Tirlan CountryLife, has raised over €15,000 for Breast Cancer Ireland. The campaign, which ran throughout May and June, involved the sale of pink Dianthus plants, with €2 from each sale being donated to Breast Cancer Ireland.

The Dianthus plant, also known as ‘Pink Kisses,’ was chosen for its beautiful pink flowers and its sun-loving characteristics. The campaign was a huge success, with Tirlan CountryLife customers showing their support by purchasing the plants in large numbers. The Pink Dianthus is grown in Limerick in a biologically friendly way, with virtually no chemical pest control methods at the family-run Young Nurseries.

Aisling Hurley, CEO, Breast Cancer Ireland said: “Initiatives such as Tirlán CountryLife’s Plant Pink campaign allows Breast Cancer Ireland to continue to fund pioneering research and awareness to transform the landscape of breast cancer in this country. Our relationship with Tirlán is a special one and we are so appreciative of the tireless efforts of employees, suppliers and the general public in supporting their worthy initiatives.”

Senan Foley, Head of Retail at Tirlán said: “This is a hugely proud day for us at Tirlán CountryLife to donate this money to Breast Cancer Ireland on behalf of our customers, suppliers and employees who took part in our Plant Pink Campaign. We would especially like to thank our plant supplier Young Nurseries who have supported us with the campaign from the beginning. We look forward to continuing our commitment to supporting and celebrating our local communities.”

A big thank you to all employees and customers who contributed to this campaign over the past few months, helping to raise much-needed funds for Breast Cancer Ireland.

Pictured at Tirlán CountryLife Dungarvan branch are from left Olivia Treacy Supplier and Customer Engagement Manager Tirlán; Senan Foley, Head of Retail Tirlán; Mary Butler TD, Minister of State at the Department of Health; and Bruce McDevitt, Age Friendly Regional Manager

Tirlán has embarked on a programme to ensure people of all ages get the best possible experience across its stores

Tirlán has officially begun its Age Friendly Ireland Certification journey, to be implemented over the coming months across Tirlán’s 52 store branch network. The certification will focus on the inclusion of the older customer and addressing their needs to ensure a good customer experience when visiting any of the Tirlán Countrylife or Tirlán Farmlife stores.

The Age Friendly Business Recognition Programme has helped businesses all over Ireland obtain their Age Friendly Charters. As part of the certification process, an Age Friendly Champion will be appointed from the team in each store with a customer survey circulated to help decide on the changes needed to create the best possible age-friendly experience for its customers.

Tirlán Chairperson, John Murphy said: “Tirlán is committed to obtaining Age Friendly Certification and recognition across our branch network. This is part of our Living Proof sustainability strategy and an example of Tirlán’s on-going dedication to the well-being and engagement of older adults within our branch network. It also demonstrates our Co-op values for all our customers including older adults. Tirlán wants to ensure all people have a great customer experience every time they visit one of our stores, regardless of their age.”

Bruce McDevitt, Regional Manager for Age Friendly Ireland said: “We are delighted to partner with Tirlán on this journey. Age Friendly Ireland supports businesses across Ireland to focus on aspects of the business to ensuring older adults have a good experience when visiting the business or store.”

Minister Mary Butler TD said: “This proactive step by Tirlán, supported by Age Friendly Ireland, is important to ensure we have a more inclusive and receptive society, meeting the needs of an aging population to improve the quality of life as they age.”

The prestigious series highlights the partnership between The Curragh and GAIN Equine Nutrition

The GAIN Champion Collection is a prestigious series in Irish horse racing, providing an exciting platform for two-year-old competitors to showcase their talent. With an impressive prize pot of €220,000, the series offers substantial rewards for participants, attracting top-tier talent.

The series kicks off on May 6th with the GAIN First Flier Stakes, setting the stage for an exhilarating competition, followed by the Group 3 GAIN Marble Hill Stakes on May 25th, known for its high level of competition and excitement.

The series reaches its climax on Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Day, June 30th with the Group 2 GAIN Railway Stakes, a historic race dating back to 1851. The Railway Stakes holds a special place in the racing calendar as one of the oldest races, highlighting the rich heritage of horse racing.

The series offers additional incentives for participants, with the winning horse of the GAIN Railway Stakes earning an automatic entry into the prestigious Group 1 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes, further enhancing the prestige of the series.

Once again, the GAIN Railway Stakes will be part of the Tote World Pool, providing increased international exposure for the race and attracting attention from racing enthusiasts worldwide.

“In 2023, the success story of ‘Bucanero Fuerte’, trained by Adrian Murray, winning the GAIN Railway Stakes and subsequently the Group 1 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes was truly remarkable,” said Philip Gilligan, Irish Country Manager, GAIN Equine Nutrition.

“It reinforces that the GAIN Champion Collection series plays a vital role in the development and progression of young horses, providing a pathway to Group 1 success and cementing its position as a cornerstone of the racing calendar.

“We look forward to following the season closely and eagerly await the unfolding of yet another exciting chapter in the GAIN Champion Collection Series,” said Philip.

GAIN’s association with the series further strengthens its relationship with The Curragh, building on a partnership that began in 2012 and highlighting its commitment to supporting and promoting horse racing.

Evan Arkwright, Racing and Sponsorship Manager, The Curragh said: “The GAIN Champion Collection is now firmly established as one of the leading series of races in the international racing calendar, consistently attracting some of the very best juveniles in training and has further helped to develop the long standing and very positive partnership between the racecourse and GAIN Equine Nutrition.”

Adrian Murray, Racehorse Trainer said: “We were thrilled with the success we had last year in the GAIN Champion Collection Series. It’s a very important series for us. We have several nice 2 year olds that we hope will do well this year and hopefully be good enough to go on to win a Group 1.”

Overall, the GAIN Champion Collection Series represents a pinnacle of excellence in horse racing, offering top-class competition, substantial rewards and opportunities for international exposure and recognition for participants.