Tirlán welcomed retired milk suppliers from across Northern Ireland, Monaghan, Meath and Louth to a special breakfast event in Virginia, Co. Cavan recently to recognise their valued contribution to farming, their communities and the cooperative over many decades.

Held at the Lakeside Manor Hotel, the event brought together retired suppliers and Tirlán representatives from across the region for breakfast and a catch-up with former colleagues and neighbours.

The breakfast was organised as part of Tirlán's Generational Renewal Programme, which seeks to recognise retiring suppliers and thank them for their valued contribution to the co-op.

Guests heard from Tirlán chairperson Ger O'Brien, CEO Seán Molloy and former chairperson and retired supplier Henry Corbally, who reflected on the proud history of milk production in the region.

Speakers acknowledged the generations of suppliers who supported the Avonmore and Premier Dairies brands and whose commitment to quality helped build the success of the Virginia plant and its long-standing relationship with Baileys Irish Cream.

Addressing attendees, Ger O'Brien thanked retired suppliers for their dedication and commitment to milk supply and their local communities.

"A huge amount of work goes into running a dairy farm. It takes commitment, resilience and long hours, often over a lifetime," O'Brien said.

"While many of those gathered have stepped back from milk supply, the farms they built, the communities they supported and the role they played in the co-op have all helped shape Tirlán into what it is today."