Meet the winners of the Tirlán Dairy & Sustainability Awards

The awards recognise the long-standing commitment of Tirlán’s dedicated suppliers to delivering high-quality, sustainably produced milk from grass-based herds across Ireland.

Milk Solids Champion and overall Milk Supplier of the Year
Winner: John & Mary Byrne

John & Mary Byrne operate a high-performing dairy enterprise outside Dungarvan, Co. Waterford where exceptional milk solids output is achieved through excellent grassland management and strategic supplementation. Despite farming on heavy soils where spring turnout can be challenging, John maintains outstanding production efficiency by focusing on quality forage and cow nutrition. His system is a model of consistency and output under demanding conditions.

Tirlán Sustainability Champion
Winner: Rose Bridge Farm (The Poole Family)

The Poole family of Rose Bridge Farm outside Gorey, Co. Wexford are committed to producing high-quality milk while continuously reducing their environmental footprint. Their proactive approach includes the use of LESS for all slurry spreading, the integration of clover and multi-species swards, and installation of solar panels. With a focus on water quality and biodiversity, the Pooles have implemented a robust nutrient management plan and established wide buffer zones along watercourses. Their carbon footprint is significantly below average, and they continue to invest in smart technologies such as cow collars to support herd health and breeding. Their efforts have made them strong ambassadors for sustainable Irish dairy farming. Alan graduated from UCC in 2023 with a diploma in Environment, Sustainability and Climate as part of Tirlán’ s Sustainable Farming Academy.

Farming for Water Champion
Winner: Carrigeen Dairy Ltd.

Donal, Fiona and the Kavanagh family from Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow demonstrate how progressive farming and water stewardship can go hand-in-hand. With a strong commitment to environmental responsibility, the Kavanaghs balance the role as dairy farmers with protecting local water quality. Their approach to sustainability and nutrient management has helped reduce the risk of runoff, safeguarding nearby water sources. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance and making time for family alongside his farming priorities is prevalent. Donal also recently graduated from UCC with a diploma in Environment, Sustainability and Climate as part of Tirlán’ s Sustainable Farming Academy. The Kavanagh family opened their gates to support Tirlán’s on-farm River Slaney event to highlight the importance of water quality as we continue with the ‘Campaign to Retain’ the nitrates.

Avonmore Fresh Milk Supplier
Winner: Johnny & Mona Finnegan

Johnny and Mona Finnegan have built a strong reputation as premium fresh milk suppliers to the Avonmore brand in Balrath, Co. Meath. With a consistent focus on milk quality and hygiene, their farm delivers fresh, high-standard milk that meets the requirements of the liquid milk market. It’s a true family affair, with three generations involved in the day-to-day running of the farm. Johnny and Mona lead the way—Mona, a proud Clare woman, is well known for her hospitality, especially her homemade scones, which are a highlight for visitors during the many customer tours they host. Their son Mark and his wife Irene are also central to the business, and their daughter Claire is showing great promise as the next generation of dairy farmers. Currently in second year studying Agriculture at Dundalk Institute of Technology and Ballyhaise Agricultural College, Claire is already actively involved on the farm. Johnny, a long-standing member of the Evergreen Dairy Discussion Group, continues to share his experience and learn from others. The Finnegans’ commitment to quality and tradition ensures that every drop of milk produced upholds the trusted Avonmore name.

Milk Quality Award – Over 600,000L
Winner: Graham Farms

William Graham’s large-scale dairy operation in Co. Fermanagh, Northern Ireland delivers top-class milk quality, with consistently excellent results for TBC, Thermoduric bacteria, SCC, and solids. His dedication to precision herd management and milk hygiene earned him runner-up in the National Milk Records Gold Cup last year, and he continues to set the standard in premium milk production.

Milk Quality Award – Under 600,000L
Winners: Dermot, Angela & Noel Kehoe

The Kehoe family hailing from Co. Wexford exemplify what’s possible on a smaller scale, producing exceptional quality milk across all key indicators. With careful management and a strong focus on herd health and milk hygiene, Dermot, Angela and Noel deliver consistently clean, high-solids milk well under specification targets, proving that precision and care drive success.

North Region Award
Winner: John & Sean McDonnell

Father and son duo John & Sean Mc Donnell operate a  first class farm In Knockbridge, Co. Louth, where milk quality is a guarantee. They are recognised for outstanding TBC, SCC, Thermoduric and solids results achieved through milking parlour hygiene, breeding & careful attention to detail regarding grassland management. The set up of their Dairy and milking parlour was crafted with care to ensure high quality milk would be supplied to the Avonmore and Truly Grass Fed brand in Drogheda and Lough Egish, with a huge emphasis on hot water and cow comfort as well as hygiene. This split calving herd showcases Tirlánss Truly Grass Fed and Living Proof values through the upmost level of animal welfare standards while incorporating many sustainable practices & technologies. The McDonnells have proudly hosted numerous overseas customer visits, showcasing the best of Irish dairy to international audiences.

East Region Award
Winner: Seán Tracey

With a history of consistent quality, Seán Tracey’s East Region dairy farm continues to shine. His farm consistently delivers top-quality milk with SCC and hygiene metrics that are reliably well below specification. Seán’s commitment to high standards makes him a standout supplier in his region.

South Region Award
Winner: John Kirwan Jnr

John Kirwan Jnr has achieved exceptional results year after year on his South Region liquid milk farm. With a 2023 SCC average of just 52 and no TBC or thermo results out of spec, the quality and hygiene standards on this 90-cow herd are consistently brilliant. His focus on detail and cow health has earned him recognition as a regional leader in milk quality.

West Region Award
Winner: Jimmy & Sarah Morris

Jimmy Morris has been a dedicated milk supplier to Tirlán for over 55 years. At nearly 71, he still manages his 50-cow herd independently and continues to deliver impressive milk solids – close to 500kg/cow. Jimmy’s father, Jimmy SNR and grandfather Tom both farmed on the land which marks three generations. Sarah and Jimmy have 2 children, Felicity & Anthony , 2 grandchildren Fionn & Tadhg. Jimmy& Sarah’s enduring passion for dairy farming and consistent excellence make them a true standout in the West Region.

Young Farmer Award
Winner: Martin O’Reilly

After the sudden passing of his father at age 19, Martin O’Reilly took on the responsibility of the family farm while caring for his grandmother and younger siblings. He has since transformed the business, both economically and sustainably. Martin is active in multiple agri-programmes and has implemented top-tier practices in soil fertility, breeding, milk recording, and emissions reduction. A true role model, Martin’s determination, innovation, and care for his animals and family highlight what the future of Irish dairy looks like.

https://www.tirlan.com/sites/default/files/2025-04/12.-new-entrant-awar…

New Entrant Award
Winner: John Doyle

John Doyle has made a strong entry into the dairy sector with a focus on sustainability, performance, and innovation. His proactive approach to herd management, milk quality and farm efficiency reflects the dedication of a next-generation dairy farmer. John’s passion for learning and continuous improvement sets him up for long-term success in the industry.

Farming Ambassador Award
Winner: Brian Rohan

Brian Rohan is a tireless advocate for farmer wellbeing and mental health, best known as the founder of Embrace FARM. Through his work on Tirlán’s representative structure and broader agri-community involvement, Brian has helped raise awareness around farm safety, bereavement support, and mental health. He continues to be a voice for resilience and care in Irish farming.

Cathal Moran Innovation Award
Winner: Bryan Daniels

Bryan farms with his wife Gail and young family running a highly innovative and sustainable dairy farm in in Kilmoganny, Co. Kilkenny. One of the first to adopt technologies like protected urea and Low Emission Slurry Spreading, Bryan focuses on breeding, carbon reduction, and nutrient management. Bryan’s data-driven approach and long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship mark him as a true pioneer in Irish dairy.

A strong emphasis on biodiversity and sustainability helped Bryan & Gail land the prestigious overall Sustainable Farming Grassland Farmer of the Year award in 2019. Whilst they excel in all areas of grassland management they put particular focus on sustainable farming.

They use clover to reduce fertiliser N input and are strong advocates of using LESS technology and Protected Urea. Bryan is a 2023 Nuffield scholar and his report topic was ‘Clover in Irish grassland agriculture.’ Bryan & Gail Daniels are Farming For Nature Ambassadors and active participants in Tirlán’s Operation Biodiversity.

Milk Driver Recognition Award
Daniel O'Brien, from DJ O’Brien & Sons  from Tallow, Co. Waterford

Daniel O Brien of DJ O'Brien & Sons joined the family business shortly after it was set up by his father in 1998. Based out of Tallow, Co. Waterford, The O'Briens collect milk across West Waterford and East Cork. His attention to detail, spotless tankers, and longstanding relationships with farmers make him a true credit to Tirlán.

Farm Employee Recognition Award
Aidan O'Halloran, Tullow, Co. Carlow

Aidan O’Halloran from Coolnasnaughta was nominated by farmer Jeremy O’Toole. Jeremy, who farms just outside Tullow, describes Aidan as “the main man on our farm.” From helping raise top-performing dairy and beef stock to introducing new technology on the farm, Aidan is a driving force behind their progress. He even keeps an eye on things when off-site, giving the family the peace of mind to take a well-earned break. “Without Aidan, all of our jobs would be much harder,” Jeremy says.