Tirlán takes on three pharmacies across Carlow and Kilkenny

Tirlán's three new pharmacies in Thomastown, Ballyhale and Borris, will join Tirlán’s healthcare portfolio which already contains a Wexford pharmacy

Tirlán has acquired three more pharmacies, expanding its healthcare portfolio.

Tirlán co-operative has recently announced the acquisition of three established community pharmacies in Co Carlow and Kilkenny.

The pharmacies, located in Thomastown, Ballyhale and Borris, will join Tirlán’s healthcare portfolio, building on the success of its existing pharmacy in Campile, Co Wexford.

Tirlán’s Wexford pharmacy was a special case, sharing space with the local Tirlán CountryLife outlet as the two businesses are “adjoining properties people can park in the car park and walk in. There is a door going from one to the other,” a Tirlán spokesperson explained.

This latest investment aims to support Tirlán’s diversification into complementary sectors, maintaining strong connections with the rural communities where its members live and work.

Customers have been assured of uninterrupted service and can expect the same familiar teams and standards of care despite the acquisition. As part of the transaction, the three pharmacies will continue trading under the Kissane’s brand.

A spokesperson for the co-op said the farmers were “complementary” to their retail enterprises and are all within the processors' milk supplier “catchment areas.” 

Although not the normal investment, Tirlán isn’t the only co-op with pharmacies, with Drinagh co-op in West Cork also featuring pharmacies within its retail portfolio.

The Carlow and Kilkenny pharmacies acquired by Tirlán are well-established and trusted businesses with deep roots within their local communities and strong working relationships with healthcare providers.

Tirlán chief agri officer, Ailish Byrne, said the acquisition will improve efficiencies across its pharmacy operations while creating a platform for sustainable future growth.

Tirlán Agri currently operates 52 agri-retail branches across the south and east, including 15 CountryLife Home and garden lifestyle stores.

The co-operative emphasised that maintaining local access to essential services remains a key priority, particularly in rural Ireland where community infrastructure is vital to quality of life.

Funded through internal resources, the acquisition further strengthens Tirlán Agri’s long-term commercial position.