Monday, 27th April, saw Tirlán hold its Dairy and Sustainability Awards 2026, celebrating and rewarding excellence, innovation, and commitment among its family farm milk suppliers.
The awards recognise the long-standing commitment of Tirlán’s dedicated suppliers to delivering high-quality, sustainably produced milk from grass-based herds across Ireland. Many farmers have been supplying Tirlán and caring for the land for several generations.
12 award winners were honoured across a variety of categories, from exceptional milk quality and milk solids to environmental stewardship and ambassadorship.
Overall Milk Suppliers of the Year
Portlaw, County Waterford based couple Shane and Kate Fitzgerald were named Tirlán Milk Suppliers of the Year. They 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.
Shane and Kate Fitzgerald operate a highly efficient, 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.
Tirlán family farm suppliers have a long heritage of delivering the highest quality milk from well-managed, grass-fed herds for consumers to enjoy through many award-winning products, including Ireland’s number one dairy brand, Avonmore.
Tirlán Dairy & Sustainability Award Winners 2026
Winners include: South Region Award – Aherne Family, Shanawalla Farms in Stradbally, Co. Waterford. Milk Solids Growth Champion – Dan O’Reilly, Stonefield Farms, Kells, Co. Meath. Sustainability Champion – Seamus Brennan, Attanagh, Co. Laois. Farming Ambassadors – Shane & Kate Fitzgerald, Portlaw, Co. Waterford. Young Farmers – David Fogarty & Katie O’Toole, Cantwellscourt, Co. Kilkenny. New Entrant – Conor Wynne, Newbridge, Co. Kildare.
