Waterford couple win Tirlán Milk Supplier of the Year award

Shane and Kate Fitzgerald from Portlaw, Waterford, also received the Farming Ambassador Award

The overall Milk Supplier of the Year Award winners Shane and Kate Fitzgerald from Portlaw County Waterford. Photo: Dylan Vaughan

Shane and Kate Fitzgerald, based in Portlaw, Co Waterford, have been named Tirlán Milk Suppliers of the Year.

The awards, which took place on April 27, recognise the long-standing commitment of Tirlán’s suppliers to delivering high-quality, sustainably produced milk from grass-based herds across Ireland.

Twelve award winners were honoured across a variety of categories, from exceptional milk quality and milk solids to environmental stewardship and ambassadorship.

Mr and Mrs Fitzgerald also received the Farming Ambassador Award, recognising their leadership, innovation and commitment to producing high-quality milk sustainably while actively promoting the wider dairy sector in Ireland.

The Fitzgeralds operate a grass-based dairy system with approximately 200 spring calving Holstein Friesian cows. Sustainability and performance are central to their approach, underpinned by ongoing investment, strong grassland management and a clear focus on animal welfare.

Passionate advocates for Irish dairy, they regularly open their farm to the public and industry groups, demonstrating how productive, profitable farming can go hand-in-hand with environmental responsibility and community engagement.

Congratulating all of the award recipients, Tirlán chief executive officer Seán Molloy said: “The farmers we are celebrating today represent the very best of our co-op. Their willingness to embrace innovation, improve sustainability and share their experiences sets a powerful example across our supply base.

"While the past spring has been a challenging one on farms, the resilience and professionalism of our members give us great confidence for the future. Tirlán remains fully committed to supporting our suppliers as they continue to build strong, sustainable family farms for generations to come.” 

Commenting on the awards, Tirlán chairperson John Murphy said: “Our suppliers continue to set the standard in quality and sustainability, and that is something we are immensely proud of. Their dedication is what truly sets Irish dairy apart, both at home and on the global stage.” 

Other award winners

A further 10 awards were presented at the ceremony to Tirlán suppliers. The Aherne family from Stradbally, Co Waterford, secured the ‘South Region Award’, and the ‘West Region Award’ was presented to Tom and Bill Gaffney from Tullaroan, Co Kilkenny.

The ‘East Region Award’ was secured by Seamus Byrne from Athy, Co Kildare, the ‘North Region Award’ was awarded to Tim, Gilliand and Roisin Fitzgerald from Abbyleix, Co Laois and the ‘Northern Ireland Award’ was won by Hugh Harbison from Aghadowey, Co Derry.

‘Milk Solids Growth Champion’ was awarded to Dan O’Reilly from Kells, Co Meath, the ‘Avonmore Fresh Milk Supplier of the Year’ went to Amanda and John Mooney from Ashford, Co Wicklow. 

Seamus Brennan from Attanagh, Co Laois, won ‘Sustainability Champion’; the ‘Young Farmers’ award was secured by David Fogarty and Katie O’Toole in Cantwellscourt, Co Kilkenny, and Conor Wynne from Newbridge, Co Kildare, won the ‘New Entrant’ award.