Tirlán Co-op appoints new Chairperson

Tirlán Co-operative Society Limited (“Tirlán Co-op”) has confirmed the election of Gerard O’Brien as Chairperson of the Co-operative, succeeding John G. Murphy who has served in the role since October 2020. Gerard O’ Brien is a dairy farmer from Camphire, Cappoquin, Co Waterford. He joined the Board in June 2018 and served as vice-chairperson from May 2024 to May 2025.

Tirlán Co-operative Society Limited (“Tirlán Co-op”) has confirmed the election of Gerard O’Brien as Chairperson of the Co-operative, succeeding John G. Murphy who has served in the role since October 2020. Gerard O’ Brien is a dairy farmer from Camphire, Cappoquin, Co Waterford. He joined the Board in June 2018 and served as vice-chairperson from May 2024 to May 2025.

Vice chairpersons

• Larry Hannon, a dairy farmer from Ballytore, Co, Kildare has been appointed as Vice-Chairperson of Tirlán Co-op effective from today, Friday 8 May. Larry Hannon joined the Board in May 2022 and is vice-chairman of the National Dairy Council.
• Dan Lynch, a dairy farmer from Watergrasshill in Co Cork, has also been appointed as Vice-Chairperson of Tirlán Co-op effective from today, Friday 8 May.
• They succeed Bill Carroll from Clonmel in Co Tipperary and Tom Phelan from Co Laois. Tom Phelan retired from the Board at the Annual General Meeting held on 6 May.

In addition, Tirlán confirmed the appointment of six new Board members following its Annual General Meeting held on Wednesday 6 May 2026. The six new Directors who were elected by their respective regions are:

• Gerard Brady, Northern Region
• Denis Fagan, Northern Region
• Jim Mulhall, North Kilkenny Region
• David O’Dwyer, South Wexford Region
• Alan Stephenson, Donaghmore / Monasterevin Region
• Jonathan Tighe, East Waterford Region

The appointments arise following the retirement of six Directors from the Co-op’s Board at the AGM:

• Eamonn McEnteggart, Northern Region
• Denis O’Sullivan, Northern Region
• John Regan, North Kilkenny Region
• Robbie Barron, South Wexford Region
• Tom Phelan, Donaghmore / Monasterevin Region
• Brendan Hayes, East Waterford Region

Speaking on his appointment as Chairperson, Gerard O’ Brien said: “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.

“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.”

Tirlán Chairperson Ger O’ Brien added: “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.”

About the new Board members

Gerard Brady, Northern Region

Gerard Brady was appointed a Director of Tirlán Co-op on 8 May 2026. Gerard, a dairy farmer from Co. Cavan, first joined the Northern Regional Committee in 2017 and has been a member of Council since 2017. In 2025, Gerard graduated from UCC as one of the first to complete the Tirlán Governance Academy Certificate in Professional Development and Co-op Governance.

Denis Fagan, Northern Region

Denis Fagan was appointed a Director of Tirlán Co-op on 8 May 2026. A liquid milk producer from Kildalkey, Co. Meath, Denis first joined the Northern Regional Committee in 2007 and has been a member of Tirlán Council since 2024. A graduate of the Tirlán and Baileys Sustainable Farming Academy in UCC, Denis has a keen interest in dairy farm sustainability.

Jim Mulhall, North Kilkenny Region

Jim Mulhall was appointed a Director of Tirlán Co-op on 8 May 2026. A dairy farmer from Co. Kilkenny, Jim first joined the North Kilkenny Regional Committee in 2014 and has been a member of Council since 2020. Well known in farming circles, Jim was elected as the Vice-Chairperson of Agri Aware in 2024.

David O’Dwyer, South Wexford Region

David O’Dwyer was appointed a Director of Tirlán Co-op on 8 May 2026. David, a tillage farmer from Co. Wexford first joined the South Wexford Regional Committee in 2011 and has been a member of Council since 2015. David is also a member of the Tirlán Grain Advisory Group.

Alan Stephenson, Donaghmore / Monasterevin Region

 Alan Stephenson was appointed a Director of Tirlán Co-op on 8 May 2026. Alan, a dairy farmer from Rosenallis, Co. Laois first joined the Donaghmore/Monasterevin Regional Committee in 2012 and has been a member of Council since 2021. Alan is currently completing the Tirlán Governance Academy Certificate in Professional Development and Co-op Governance in UCC.

Jonathan Tighe, East Waterford Region

Jonathan Tighe was appointed a Director of Tirlán Co-op on 8 May 2026. Originally from Galway, Jonathan now farms near Dunmore East, Co. Waterford. He first joined the East Waterford Regional Committee in 2010 and has been a member of Council since 2012. Jonathan is a Nuffield Scholar, has a Bachelor of Commerce degree and has qualified as an accountant. He is currently completing the Tirlán Governance Academy Certificate in Professional Development and Co-op Governance in UCC.

First Published: 8 May 2026