West Cork man who helped develop Glanbia milk powder trade retires

WEST Cork native John Harnedy, who runs Glanbia’s facility in Virginia, Co Cavan, is bringing the curtain down on 41 years of service with the company — and is retiring on the precise date he joined the organisation, on March 31.

After joining the group in 1970 he was appointed factory manager of the Dungarvan facility in 1987. He became general manager of the Virginia facility in February 1996 and has spent 15 years building the business with the management team.

Mr Harnedy has helped to grow Glanbia’s cream and fat-filled powder business and has been central to the evolution of the Glanbia-Diageo relationship in developing Bailey’s Irish Cream. He also developed the growth of Glanbia’s fat-filled milk powder business in developing regions of the world.

Mr Harnedy hails from Durrus, near Bantry in Co Cork and lives in Dungarvan, Co Waterford.

Glanbia Ingredients Ireland chief executive Jim Bergin wished Mr Harnedy, his wife Rita and family many years of health and happiness.

Martin Tynan has been appointed to succeed him as general manager of Glanbia Ingredients. A Kilkenny man, he joined the Glanbia group in 1984 as a graduate of applied physics and has held a number of senior roles.