Top award for Tipperary milk driver

Mike Ryan of William Byrne Transport is the 2026 Milk Driver Recognition Award recipient from Tirlán, in recognition of his long‑standing commitment to farmers on his Tipperary collection round, covering routes from Drangan to Urlingford.

Based out of Drangan, Mike has been working with William Byrne Transport since 2008, playing a vital role in ensuring milk is collected efficiently and reliably and delivered to Ballyragget. 

Following in his father’s footsteps, who was himself a milk haulier, Mike has built a reputation for consistency, pride in his work and deep familiarity with the farms he serves.

In nearly two decades on the road, Mike has taken just one sick day, a testament to his dedication and reliability. 

Farmers who nominated him described him as a “gentleman”, and helpful, respectable and easy‑going, with several noting his punctuality, with one supplier commenting that “you could set your watch by him.”

The nominations, say Tirlán, provided a clear picture of the contribution milk drivers make on farms every day. Farmers highlighted the importance of drivers who are consistent, practical and aware of the pressures that come with dairy farming.

Several nominations referred to drivers checking in during particularly difficult periods, or maintaining steady collections when conditions were challenging. 

Others referenced drivers getting through snow and frozen yards during harsh winters to ensure collections continued as normal. In one case, a driver helped highlight the need for a lane upgrade, supporting ongoing access to the farm and its long‑term viability.