Leadership at Aurivo co-op has changed hands, with the board today (July 17) electing Cathal Garvey as chair and Lawrence McNamee as vice chair.

Cathal Garvey is a dairy farmer from south Mayo and represents the South Mayo/North Galway Regional Advisory Committee.

He joined the Aurivo Board in 2013 and has served as vice chair since 2020.

Meanwhile Lawrence McNamee is a dairy farmer from Convoy, Co. Donegal and is a member of the Donegal Regional Advisory Committee. He joined the Aurivo Board in 2021.

Cathal Garvey succeeds Raymond Barlow as chair following his completion of the maximum six-year term permitted under the co-op's governance arrangements.

Barlow will continue to serve as a member of the board.

Honour

Speaking after his appointment was confirmed Cathal Garvey said: “It is a great honour and privilege to be appointed chair of Aurivo co-operative, a co-op that has such a proud heritage playing a key role across our region and in the lives and livelihoods of our members, employees and communities. 

Garvey also thanked Barlow for his “leadership, commitment and service" as chair.

Garvey added: “He has made a significant contribution to Aurivo and we wish him every success for the future.”

The board also congratulated Cathal Garvey and Lawrence McNamee on their appointments and thanked Raymond Barlow for his service and contribution during his term as chair.

Intake

Earlier this year (Wednesday, April 22) Aurivo reported its "highest-ever" milk intake of 544 million litres last year.

The Sligo-headquartered co-op, which brought on 14 new entrant milk suppliers in 2025, paid an average milk price of 55.3c/L last year - up 2.34c/L on the 2024 price.

Aurivo, whose products include the Connacht Gold brand, reported a "record financial performance" for the full 2025 financial year.