Ornua and the National Dairy Council are delighted to announce that the Sheehan/O’Leary farm from Whitechurch and the O’Neill farm from Clonakilty have been recognised at the 2025 NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards.
The Sheehan/O’Leary Farm received the Grassland Management Award, while the O’Neill Farm was honoured with the Animal Health and Welfare Award.
The prestigious annual awards programme, now in its 16th year, saw 12 farming families from seven counties and 12 dairy co-operatives, celebrated for excellence in milk production and sustainable dairying at a special ceremony hosted at Lyrath Estate Hotel, Co. Kilkenny.
Following their nomination by their co-ops, both families took part in a comprehensive judging process that evaluated a range of the most important aspects of modern dairy farming. These areas of environmental sustainability, animal health and welfare, farm infrastructure, hygiene standards, soil and grassland management, farm advocacy and technical performance.
EVALUATIONS
Aileen Sheehan and Philip O’Leary run a leased dairy farm that blends science, strategy, and passion to model a modern approach to farming. Both work full-time off-farm, so efficiency and teamwork are essential. They value having second and third-level students on the team, fostering enthusiasm, collaboration, and high morale while maintaining strong work-life balance.
At the O’Neil Farm in Crohane, Ballinascarthy, West Cork, Caroline O’Neill runs a 59-cow pedigree herd with a focus on quality over quantity. Efficiency and profitability are central, with each family member taking on a defined, paid role. Children Caitlin, Daniel, Leanne, Conor, and Louise balance farm work with their other passions, including GAA – “The cows have to work around the matches,” says Caroline.
The Ryan Farm from Thurles Co. Tipperary, supplying Aurivo Co-op – Trench were announced as the overall winners at the awards.
MAINTAINING HIGH STANDARDS
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, commended the finalists.
“Ireland’s global reputation as a sustainable producer of quality dairy is built upon the hard work and commitment of Irish farming families like the Ryans and all those we celebrate today. Not only have they each earned the recognition of their own co-operatives, they have represented their families, local communities, and the national dairy sector with pride, showcasing what it takes to produce a top quality product while upholding the highest standards in animal care and environmental stewardship.
“I would like to commend all of this year’s finalists, the category winners and the overall winner, for their hard work and achievements. They each play a central role in safeguarding Ireland’s respected dairy tradition and I wish them all continued success.”
WINNERS
In addition to the overall prize, six category awards were presented for excellence in the individual areas of milk hygiene and facilities, environmental stewardship, grassland management, lowest carbon footprint, low somatic cell count (SCC), and animal health and welfare.
2025 NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards finalists and award winners were as follows: Arrabawn Tipperary – Kelly Farm, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary; Aurivo Co-op – Trench / Ronayne Farm, Claremorris, Co. Mayo (Lowest Carbon Footprint Award winner); Bandon Co-op – O’Donoghue Farm, Bandon, Co. Cork; Barryroe Co-op – O’Donovan Farm, Kinsale, Co. Cork; Centenary Thurles – Ryan Farm, Thurles, Co. Tipperary (Overall winner and Environmental Stewardship Award winner); Dairygold Co-op – Sheehan / O’Leary Farm, Whitechurch, Co. Cork (Grassland Management Award winner); Drinagh Co-op – Duggan Farm, Dunmanway, Co. Cork; Kerry Dairy Ireland – Killeen Farm, Doonbeg, Co. Clare (Milking Hygiene and Facilities Award winner); Lakeland Dairies – McElroy Farm, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan; Lisavaird Co-op – O’Neill Farm, Clonakilty, Co. Cork (Animal Health and Welfare Award winner); North Cork Creameries – Stack Farm, Listowel, Co. Kerry; Tirlán – Byrne Farm, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford (Lowest SCC Award winner).
