Waterford farming families and milk truck driver scoop major awards at national event

Waterford took centre stage at Tirlán's Dairy and Sustainability Awards, with three Waterford locals recognised for excellence in their field.

The awards, which took place today Tuesday, April 29, recognised the long-standing commitment of Tirlán’s suppliers to delivering high-quality, sustainably produced milk from grass-based herds across Ireland. 

A total of 16 awards were presented across a variety of categories, from exceptional milk quality and milk solids to environmental stewardship and innovation.

John and Mary Byrne, Coolnasmear, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford won the Tirlán Milk Solids Champion Award. Pictured from (L to R) were Tirlán Milk Solids Growth Programme Manager Bryan Harte, Eamon, John, Mary, Molly and Mary Byrne, and Tirlán Vice Chairperson Ger O'Brien. Photo: Finbarr O’Rourke

The highlight of the afternoon was the announcement of the Byrne family from near Dungarvan in Waterford as Tirlán Milk Supplier of the Year. The award recognises their outstanding performance across the board in a variety of areas, key among them milk quality, sustainability, and animal welfare.

John and Mary Byrne from Coolnasmear, Dungarvan also took the top award and the Milk Solids Champions title.

John is the fifth generation to farm there and says the family farm is very special to him.

“We put huge emphasis on animal health, whether it be the calves or the cows. We try to keep their nutrition right at all times. Grass is number one and we try to get as much quality grass into them as we can.

“If we don’t look after this country and this earth, nobody else is going to. We have to keep things right on farm. The vast majority of farmers are doing that and doing it very well.”

John Kirwan Jnr, Butlerstown, Co. Waterford won the Tirlán South Region Award. Pictured from (L to R) were Tirlán Board Member Brendan Hayes, Jane and John Kirwan, and Tirlán Milk Supply Manager Padraig Nugent. Photo: Finbarr O’Rourke

The South Region Award went to John Kirwan Jnr who farms at Ballycashin, Butlerstown, Waterford, while Daniel O’Brien from DJ O’Brien & Sons, Tallow was singled out for his dedication and rewarded with the Milk Driver Recognition Award.

Daniel O'Brien of DJ O'Brien and Sons won the Milk Driver Recognition Award. Pictured from (L to R) were Tirlán Board Member Dan Lynch, Daniel O'Brien of DJ O'Brien and Sons and Tirlán Ingredients Transport Manager Mike O' Neill. Photo: Finbarr O’Rourke

John Murphy, Chairperson of Tirlán, congratulated all recipients: “These awards are a celebration of the passion, care and innovation that our family farm suppliers bring to their work every day. It all starts on the family farm and it’s about so much more than milk. It’s about the family farm business. It’s about values, progress and pride in doing the right thing.

“The quality of Irish milk and of our Irish family farm model based on grass-fed is our unique selling point around the globe. It’s something we’re very proud of and it is winning us new markets and new customers every day. Our R&D and innovation teams are adding value to this quality milk, allowing us to deliver nutritious food and ingredients solutions for our customers as well as enhanced, consistent market opportunities for our suppliers.

"Congratulations to our overall Milk Supplier of the Year and to all our category winners for raising the bar for Irish dairy.”

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