Gerald takes over from Gerard - both Limerick men - on board of Dairygold

A BALLYNEETY native is to take over from a Pallasgreen man on Dairygold’s board of directors.

A spokesperson for the co-operative society said they are pleased to announce the appointment of a new member to its board of directors, effective from January 1. It follows a general committee board election in Springfort Hall Hotel, Mallow on Monday.  

READ NEXT: Tractor trouble: Limerick farmer with 'bit of an attitude' refused to stop for gardaí

Gerald Kirby, a dairy farmer from Ballyneety, was elected to fill the board vacancy, and will replace outgoing board director, Gerard O’Dwyer, Pallasgreen.

Mr Kirby, representing the Drombanna Electoral Group, was elected to the Limerick Regional Committee in 2023 and has been a member of the general committee since January 2025. Married to Sinead, the couple have three adult children, Ronan, Alan and Ruth.

Mr Kirby has completed the Dairygold Member Upskilling Programme. He is a former chairperson of Fedamore Mulcair Discussion Group. Mr Kirby is farming in partnership with wife Sinead and sons Ronan and Alan.

He takes his seat on Dairygold’s board of directors after Mr O’Dwyer completed his maximum permitted consecutive service on the Dairygold Board. The Pallasgreen man will retire from the board and the elected representative structure on December 31.

Mr O’Dwyer, a dairy farmer from Brackile, has given stellar service for over a decade. He has been a member of the Dairygold Limerick Regional Committee since 2011, the Dairygold General Committee since 2014 and the Dairygold Board since 2016. 

He was appointed vice- chairman of the board of directors after a board election in 2023. 

Mr O’Dwyer is also well-known through his involvement with Munster Bovine Group, Co-operative Animal Health Limited and the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation.