CellCheck 2022 Milking for Quality Awards presented

The annual Milking for Quality Awards presentation ceremony took place recently in The Killashee Hotel, Naas. These awards are part of the CellCheck Programme and recognise the 500 lowest SCC herds nationally.

All prize winners are invited to the Gala Dinner, which was, as always a resounding success with standing room only. Over 650 people attended the awards from across the country. Tirlán suppliers were well represented on the night, and we extend our congratulations to all the prize winners.

Over 200 Tirlán suppliers received awards this year, reflecting the focus on milk quality every day on farms and supported by the farm advisory teams across Tirlán. Tirlán Chairman John Murphy, was in attendance and extended his congratulations to all the winners “we are delighted to see so many Tirlán suppliers recognised tonight in these national awards. This is a reflection on how our suppliers focus on milk quality day in day out, which allows production of top quality dairy products that nourish consumers every day nationally and internationally.”

This was the tenth year of the awards and a special presentation was made to those who have won an award every year. Tirlán suppliers Padraig and Geraldine O’Scanaill (Dublin), Jim and Derry Byrne (Wexford), Eamonn, James and Ann Doyle (Kilkenny) and Tommy and Emma Murphy (Waterford) were recognised amongst this elite group of suppliers.

Tirlán Chairman John Murphy noted that “the tremendous attention to detail given by these suppliers to be amongst the lowest SCC group for ten years running is fantastic to see and being recognised so publicly.”

Overall winner

Tommy and Emma Murphy from Kilmeaden Co Waterford are the CellCheck Milking for Quality Awards overall winner for 2022. Tommy and his sons Sean and David attended the night. Tommy is a third-generation dairy farmer who milks 100 cows with his wife, Emma. The proud Irish Holstein Friesian Association member is continuing a great family tradition of award winning and has been a recipient of a CellCheck Milking for Quality Award every year since the Awards began. It’s a fantastic achievement for him, for Emma, and their five children, all of whom work on the on farm when time allows.

Cow welfare is his top priority. Milking is never rushed and his herd has his full attention. He doesn’t even bring a mobile phone into the parlour, such is his attention to detail, to hand and teat hygiene and to his surrounding environment.

Tommy adds "Morning and evening milking is not rushed. I dedicate my full attention to the cows at this key time. Great credit has to go to my relief milker, Isobel O’Neill. She is a very safe pair of hands. She knows what works and she is exceptional at her job. Our Tirlán Milk Supply Manager, Conor Phelan, is a great support. He’s always there when needed. Conor and the team are always there at the end of the phone and ready to call in if needed.”

First Published 13 November 2023