Tirlán CountryLife opens its newly-refurbished and extended branch in Monasterevin

ABOVE: Pictured at the official opening were John Murphy, board member; Ailish Byrne, Director of Agribusiness; Seán Molloy, CEO Designate; Senan Foley, Head of Retail; John Murphy, Chairperson; Darragh Fitzpatrick, Mayor/Cathaoirleach of Kildare County Council; Keith Hosey, Branch Manager and Tom Phelan, Vice Chairperson at Tirlán.

Tirlán CountryLife has officially opened its newly-refurbished and extended branch in Monasterevin, Co. Kildare.

The free, family-focused and fun opening event featured competitions and give-aways, store discounts, food and drinks, as well as live demonstrations with the in-store horticulturist.

Cutting the ribbon at the official opening of the branch, John Murphy, Tirlán Chairperson, said that investing in the local branch network is very much part of Tirlán’s Living Proof sustainability strategy and encouraged farmer suppliers and members of the wider community to continue to support the branch.

“Kildare is of major importance to our farmer-owned Co-operative and Kildare dairy farmers were paid €46 million in milk cheques in 2023.  This branch has been completely redesigned to improve the customer experience and allow us extend our stock range.  Our garden centre has been extended by 30%, we’ve added a new coffee dock and a fridge stocking Avonmore produce.

“As you will see from our history wall, the foundation of our Monasterevin store dates back to January 1963 when the first milk was received into the Creamery. The Monasterevin Creamery amalgamated with Avonmore Farmers Co Op in 1973. One year later, in 1974, the store opened its doors and lies in the same locations that the current Tirlán CountryLife store can be found today.

“While milk intake ceased in 1992, the noughties saw another significant milestone with the opening of a new garden centre in 2008. The store went on to rebrand to Tirlán CountryLife in 2023.  Today is a proud day for us in Tirlán and we are delighted to improve our services to our loyal supporters in the farming and wider community in Monasterevin and the surrounding hinterland with this investment.”

Branch Manager, Keith Hosey, says the customer feedback and support in the community has been phenomenal. “Our customers keep saying that this investment has really breathed new life into Monasterevin, has given the place a great facelift and will really help attract more people into the town.

“Our team here love the extra space to stock and display even greater lines. We have always had a very loyal farm family customer base here. But lots of new people are also coming in now for their pet food, for garden accessories and household items. Our footfall and revenue have increased big time. It’s fantastic to see.”

Four of the five former managers also gathered for the event. Bobby Cotter was the original manager when the Co-op started in 1963 and continued as creamery manager until 1983.  Jim Clifford became manager in 1983 and was here until 2009. Jim had previously worked in the Monasterevin area as a milk advisor between 1974 and 1979 before moving over to the Donaghmore area for a brief period. Also present were Pat Pollard who was manager for one year in 2009 and Alan Gee, who was manager for 5 years between 2010 and 2014. TJ Phelan, who was manager between 2015 and 2019, was unable to attend due to other work commitments.