Dungarvan Co-operative Society marked 100 years in existence this year, marking the occasion with a new book to celebrate the centenary.
The book ‘Dungarvan Co-op and its legacy’ depicts the foresight of the farmers who worked a century ago to set up the co-op to improve the lives of all in their communities.
Many of the farmers, community and staff, both present and former, turned out last Thursday, November 7, in the Park Hotel, Dungarvan, to celebrate all that it has achieved as a major economic driver in the Co. Waterford area.
L-R: Former Glanbia chairman Tom Corcoran; Sean Kelly MEP; Derry Twomey, former board member; Stephen O’Connor, former CEO; and Kieran O’Connor MC. Image source: Sean Byrne
Glanbia group chairman Martin Keane commented on the occasion, saying: “A century on from the setting up of the co-op, the same community spirit can still be seen alive and well in the Dungarvan area.
A co-op is only ever as good as its people. We were truly lucky with the talented, ambitious, progressive people that were part of the Dungarvan Co-op throughout the years.
Glanbia’s West Waterford board member Ger O’Brien welcomed all the guests on the night, while Vincent McCarthy, chairman of the Advisory and Centenary Committee, made a special presentation of Criostal na Rinne to MEP Sean Kelly, who officially launched the book.
The book, funded by Glanbia Co-op, commissioned by the Glanbia West Waterford Regional Advisory Committee and edited by Jim O’Brien, alongside co-authors Proinnsias Breathnach and Caroline Smiddy, retails at €10.
L-R: Mary Beresford; Breda Walsh; and Clare Morrissey. Image source: Sean Byrne
It is available from the Glanbia CountryLife store in Dungarvan, along with branches including Cappoquin, Durrow, Ballinamult and Tallow.
A donation from book sales will be made to Dungarvan Community Hospital, according to Glanbia.