Tirlán Co-op appoints new Chairperson
Tirlán Co‑operative Society Limited (“Tirlán Co‑op”) has confirmed the election of Gerard O’Brien as Chairperson of the Co-operative, succeeding John G. Murphy who has served in the role since October 2020. Gerard O’ Brien is a dairy farmer from Camphire, Cappoquin, Co Waterford. He joined the Board in June 2018 and served as vice-chairperson from May 2024 to May 2025.
Vice chairpersons
- Larry Hannon, a dairy farmer from Ballytore, Co, Kildare has been appointed as Vice-Chairperson of Tirlán Co-op effective from today, Friday 8 May. Larry Hannon joined the Board in May 2022 and is vice-chairman of the National Dairy Council.
- Dan Lynch, a dairy farmer from Watergrasshill in Co Cork, has also been appointed as Vice-Chairperson of Tirlán Co-op effective from today, Friday 8 May.
They succeed Bill Carroll from Clonmel in Co Tipperary and Tom Phelan from Co Laois. Tom Phelan retired from the Board at the Annual General Meeting held on 6 May.
In addition, Tirlán confirmed the appointment of six new Board members following its Annual General Meeting held on Wednesday 6 May 2026. The six new Directors who were elected by their respective regions are:
- Gerard Brady, Northern Region
- Denis Fagan, Northern Region
- Jim Mulhall, North Kilkenny Region
- David O’Dwyer, South Wexford Region
- Alan Stephenson, Donaghmore / Monasterevin Region
- Jonathan Tighe, East Waterford Region
The appointments arise following the retirement of six Directors from the Co-op’s Board at the AGM:
- Eamonn McEnteggart, Northern Region
- Denis O’Sullivan, Northern Region
- John Regan, North Kilkenny Region
- Robbie Barron, South Wexford Region
- Tom Phelan, Donaghmore / Monasterevin Region
- Brendan Hayes, East Waterford Region
Speaking on his appointment as Chairperson, Gerard O’ Brien said: “I am honoured to be appointed to serve as Chairperson of Tirlán Co-operative Society. I look forward to continuing to work on behalf of Co-op Members and build on the strong foundations that have been established by my predecessors over many decades.
“On behalf of Tirlán Co-op, I would also like to thank the outgoing Chairperson John G. Murphy for his leadership and dedication to his role as Chairperson for the last five and a half years. He has presided over a period of transformational change for the organisation, culminating in farmers returning to full ownership of the Irish business and very significant value distribution to our Co-op’s Members. He can be extremely proud of his contribution as Chairperson.”
Tirlán Chairperson Ger O’ Brien added: “I would like to acknowledge the retirement of our six outgoing farmer Directors and sincerely thank them for their years of dedicated service and contribution to Tirlán. They have overseen a period of huge transformation and growth in our Co-op. I would also like to welcome our new Board members and wish them every success as they step into new roles within the co‑op.”
About the new Board members
Gerard Brady, Northern Region
Gerard Brady was appointed a Director of Tirlán Co-op on 8 May 2026. Gerard, a dairy farmer from Co. Cavan, first joined the Northern Regional Committee in 2017 and has been a member of Council since 2017. In 2025, Gerard graduated from UCC as one of the first to complete the Tirlán Governance Academy Certificate in Professional Development and Co-op Governance.
Denis Fagan, Northern Region
Denis Fagan was appointed a Director of Tirlán Co-op on 8 May 2026. A liquid milk producer from Kildalkey, Co. Meath, Denis first joined the Northern Regional Committee in 2007 and has been a member of Tirlán Council since 2024. A graduate of the Tirlán and Baileys Sustainable Farming Academy in UCC, Denis has a keen interest in dairy farm sustainability.
Jim Mulhall, North Kilkenny Region
Jim Mulhall was appointed a Director of Tirlán Co-op on 8 May 2026. A dairy farmer from Co. Kilkenny, Jim first joined the North Kilkenny Regional Committee in 2014 and has been a member of Council since 2020. Well known in farming circles, Jim was elected as the Vice-Chairperson of Agri Aware in 2024.
David O’Dwyer, South Wexford Region
David O’Dwyer was appointed a Director of Tirlán Co-op on 8 May 2026. David, a tillage farmer from Co. Wexford first joined the South Wexford Regional Committee in 2011 and has been a member of Council since 2015. David is also a member of the Tirlán Grain Advisory Group.
Alan Stephenson, Donaghmore / Monasterevin Region
Alan Stephenson was appointed a Director of Tirlán Co-op on 8 May 2026. Alan, a dairy farmer from Rosenallis, Co. Laois first joined the Donaghmore/Monasterevin Regional Committee in 2012 and has been a member of Council since 2021. Alan is currently completing the Tirlán Governance Academy Certificate in Professional Development and Co-op Governance in UCC.
Jonathan Tighe, East Waterford Region
Jonathan Tighe was appointed a Director of Tirlán Co-op on 8 May 2026. Originally from Galway, Jonathan now farms near Dunmore East, Co. Waterford. He first joined the East Waterford Regional Committee in 2010 and has been a member of Council since 2012. Jonathan is a Nuffield Scholar, has a Bachelor of Commerce degree and has qualified as an accountant. He is currently completing the Tirlán Governance Academy Certificate in Professional Development and Co-op Governance in UCC.