Tirlán appoint Gerard O'Brien as new chairperson

Tirlán Co-operative Society has appointed Waterford dairy farmer Gerard O’Brien as its new chairperson, succeeding John G. Murphy following more than five years in the role. The leadership changes were confirmed following the co-op’s annual general meeting on May 6, alongside the appointment of six new farmer directors to the board. O’Brien, who farms in Camphire, Cappoquin, Co Waterford, joined the Tirlán board in 2018 and most recently served as vice-chairperson between May 2024 and May 2025. His appointment comes at a significant period for the farmer-owned co-operative, which has undergone major structural and ownership changes in recent years, including the transition to full farmer ownership of its Irish business operations. Speaking following his appointment, O’Brien said he was looking forward to continuing the organisation’s development on behalf of members. “I am honoured to be appointed to serve as Chairperson of Tirlán Co-operative Society. I look forward to continuing to work on behalf of Co-op Members and build on the strong foundations that have been established by my predecessors over many decades.” He also paid tribute to outgoing chairperson John G. Murphy, who has led the organisation since October 2020. “On behalf of Tirlán Co-op, I would also like to thank the outgoing Chairperson John G. Murphy for his leadership and dedication to his role as Chairperson for the last five and a half years. “He has presided over a period of transformational change for the organisation, culminating in farmers returning to full ownership of the Irish business and very significant value distribution to our Co-op’s Members. “He can be extremely proud of his contribution as Chairperson.” Alongside O’Brien’s appointment, Tirlán confirmed the appointment of two new vice-chairpersons. Larry Hannon, a dairy farmer from Ballytore, Co Kildare, takes up the role effective from May 8. Hannon joined the board in 2022 and also serves as vice-chairman of the National Dairy Council. Dan Lynch, a dairy farmer from Watergrasshill, Co Cork, has also been appointed vice-chairperson. They replace Bill Carroll from Clonmel, Co Tipperary, and Tom Phelan from Co Laois, who retired from the board at the AGM. The co-op also confirmed the appointment of six new board members elected by their respective regional constituencies. The new directors are Gerard Brady and Denis Fagan for the Northern Region, Jim Mulhall for North Kilkenny, David O’Dwyer for South Wexford, Alan Stephenson for the Donaghmore/Monasterevin region, and Jonathan Tighe for East Waterford. The appointments follow the retirement of six outgoing directors, including Tom Phelan, Brendan Hayes, Robbie Barron, John Regan, Denis O’Sullivan and Eamonn McEnteggart. Seán Molloy, Chief Executive Officer (CEO); outgoing Chairperson John Murphy; Lisa Koep, Chief ESG Officer and Michael Horan, Chief Financial and Secretariat Officer. Photo: Dylan Vaughan O’Brien said the retiring directors had overseen a period of major transformation within the organisation. “I would like to acknowledge the retirement of our six outgoing farmer Directors and sincerely thank them for their years of dedicated service and contribution to Tirlán. "They have overseen a period of huge transformation and growth in our Co-op. I would also like to welcome our new Board members and wish them every success as they step into new roles within the co op.”

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