Kilkenny family best in class as they scoop major award at national event

Tirlán celebrated and rewarded excellence, innovation, and commitment among its family farm milk suppliers at its Dairy and Sustainability Awards.

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 from Coolnasmear, Dungarvan, Co Waterford were presented with the Milk Supplier of the Year award. 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.”

BELOW: Pictured with the Byrne family from Dungarvan, Co Waterford, who won the Tirlán Milk Supplier of the Year award, were Tirlán CEO Seán Molloy; John and Mary Byrne and Tirlán Chair John Murphy. Picture: Finbarr O'Rourke