Tipperary farming family honoured at Tirlán Quality Grain Awards

Pictured Above: Tirlán Agronomist Joe Delaney, Tirlán Head of Regional Sales Brian Mullally, winners of the Green Oilseed Rape category Ger, Niamh and Sean Leahy of Newtownadam Farm from Newtownadam, Cahir, Co. Tipperary and Tirlán Board member Bill Carroll. Picture: Finbarr O'Rourke

A Cahir farming family were among the prize winners at the Tirlán Quality Grain Awards in Cork yesterday (Tuesday, February 10).

The country’s top tillage farmers were celebrated at the awards events in Cork’s Castlemartyr Resort and Midleton Distillery Experience.

Ger and Niamh Leahy of Newtownadam, Cahir won the Green Oilseed Rape award. The Leahys operate an intensive tillage farm just outside Cahir, growing oilseed rape, winter wheat, winter barley, oats, rye and spring malting barley.

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Bobby Miller, a grower from Rathmore, Stradbally, Co. Laois, was crowned Tirlán Grain Grower of the Year 2025. His exceptional attention to detail, strong technical standards and consistent delivery of premium-quality gluten free oats secured him both the top honour and the Food Grade Oats category award.

The awards recognise the very best of Tirlán’s grain suppliers and celebrate excellence across barley, wheat, oats, beans and oilseed rape. Twelve category winners were recognised for producing crops of outstanding quality in 2025.

Tirlán Chairperson John Murphy said the Awards provide an important opportunity to highlight the great work of growers who supply the cooperative with high‑quality native grains.

“It is always a pleasure to recognise the growers who are delivering excellent quality year after year. The winners announced today reflect the high standards that exist right across our grower base. Our growers delivered outstanding crops and demonstrated remarkable professionalism throughout a highly concentrated harvest window.

As Ireland’s largest buyer of native grains, Tirlán remains fully committed to supporting farm families and maximising the value of Irish-grown crops.”

Innovation in the Marketplace

Tirlán’s Head of Grains, Michael Ryan, said the Co‑op continues to focus on innovation in the marketplace.

“Innovation remains central to how we develop and expand our ingredients portfolio, our ongoing investment in facilities and R&D allows us to broaden our premium grains offering and support customers across a wide range of applications. Tirlán’s specialty oat ingredients are now used in beverages, confectionery, ice cream and other products, supported by the strong traceability and clean‑label attributes that Irish grains can deliver.

Our strategy remains focused on expanding market opportunities and building value from Irish grain, ensuring we can continue offering competitive and sustainable premium crop options into the future.”

Strengthening the link between growers and Ireland’s drinks industry

Guest speaker Paul McGillicuddy, CEO of the Malting Company of Ireland, addressed the awards, highlighting the vital role of the tillage sector in supporting Irish brewing and distilling.

“It is a privilege to join Tirlán today in recognising the excellence of Ireland’s tillage sector. Irish malting barley - grown to the highest standards by farmers like those honoured at the awards - is the backbone of our world-class brewing and distilling industries.

Whilst there may be some challenges around inventory levels in the distilling industry in particular, MCI’s focus remains firmly on long term growth opportunities in distilling, brewing and alternative uses for Malting Grains.

Demand for premium Irish whiskey and Irish-crafted beers continues to grow globally, and with that comes a significant opportunity for our native grain sector.

Congratulations to this year’s winners - your workmanship, innovation and commitment to quality play a direct role in the success of Ireland’s drinks industry on the world stage.”

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