Six Munster finalists for NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards
Six Munster farmers and one each from Monaghan and Longford are in the final shake-up to win the 2018 NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards.
Aurivo in the North-West is represented by John McTiernan, Mullaghavorneen, Co Longford.
Bandon Co-Op’s representative is Tim and Dan Crowley, Clancoolbeg, Bandon.
Barryroe Co-Op is represented by Else Furney, Ballinagaragh, Kilbrittain, Bandon.
The finalist from Centenary Thurles is the farm of Tom, Mary and Michael Ryan, Lisheen, Lower Moyne, Thurles.
Dairygold Co-Op’s representative is Kevin Downing, Parkduv Farm Ltd, Farranastig, Whitechurch, Co Cork.
Drinagh Co-op’s Liam and Dolores O’Donovan, Clohane, Skibbereen, are in the final.
Glanbia Ireland is represented by John Patrick Keating and family, Crobally, Old Parish, Dungarvan, Co Waterford.
The Kerry Agribusiness finalist is John O’Shaughnessy, Ballynolan, Kildimo, Co. Limerick.
And Lacpatrick Dairies bids for the awards with Darren McKenna, Derrygasson Farms Ltd, Emyvale, Co Monaghan.
The awards recognise excellence in dairy farming, with all co-ops having been invited to nominate their top suppliers.
The finalists were visited by judges over the last three months. The winner will be announced on October 3.
The judges are Jack Kennedy, dairy editor, Irish Farmers Journal; Prof Pat Wall, UCD; and David Gleeson, Teagasc. Chef and food writer Clodagh McKenna is food ambassador for the awards.
Zoe Kavanagh, CEO of the NDC, said: “Our work in the NDC is really made possible because of the high quality of Irish milk and dairy produce available to consumers here, produced from top quality farms, off grassland.
"The standard as always was incredibly high, showcasing the passion and dedication of Ireland’s top farming families.”
Ciara O’Callaghan, brand director, Ornua said: “The Kerrygold brand is much-loved around the world, a success made possible by Irish dairy farmers.
"We are heartened again this year to see such high standards of practice in place and are proud to celebrate the work of these Irish farming families through Kerrygold, leveraging the unique advantage Irish dairy holds across markets globally.”
