Limerick family aims for another All-Ireland title

LIMERICK could be bringing another All-Ireland home as the Macnamara family is representing the county in the 2023 National Dairy Council (NDC) and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards.

The competition - dubbed the ‘Oscars of the Dairy World’ or the ‘Liam MacCarthy of farming’ - recognise and celebrate the highest standards of excellence in dairy farming with a focus on milk quality, animal welfare, and sustainable farming practices.

The Macnamaras, from Knockainey, supplying Kerry Agri-Business Co-Op, are among 14 farms to reach the final of the prestigious awards, now in their twelfth year. It honours farming families who work hard every day to produce top quality milk.

John Macnamara, alongside his wife, Olivia, farms in Gormanstown, Knockainey. Their four children, Caoimhe, Conor, Ailbhe and Padraic all contribute to the running of the farm.

John believes that working together fosters a strong family connection and ensures the Macmamara family values are ingrained on their family farm.

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The farm’s legacy traces back to John’s father Paddy, who entrusted John with its care after he completed the Green Cert at Teagasc, Kilmallock. John’s passion for farming was instilled from an early age and he is passionate about passing on his knowledge to the next generation.

The Macnamaras have hosted children from playschools and primary schools, teenagers from secondary schools and third level students so they can learn about farming.

As the eldest of six children, John developed a robust work ethic and love for the land. With an understanding that the milk leaving his yard will shortly be on the consumers’ table, he takes immense pride in producing a product that is of the highest quality.

Limerick has a strong recent record in the competition with Banogue’s Fiachra and Mary Liston being runners-up in 2020 and Michael, Mary Ita and Alex McCarthy, Feenagh, winning it in 2021.

The judging panel for this year’s awards included Karina Pierce, professor of dairy production in UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science; Dr Patrick Wall, professor of public health at UCD and Dr David Gleeson of Teagasc.

Following nominations from their respective co-operative, each farming family participated in an intensive judging process examining a broad range of criteria including environmental management, animal health and welfare, farm infrastructure and hygiene, soil and grassland management and technical performance, among other core indicators.

Commenting on the finalists, Donal Buggy, interim chief executive, Ornua, said: “As Ireland’s largest dairy exporter and proud owner of Kerrygold, we at Ornua see first-hand how much Irish dairy is valued and appreciated by consumers worldwide.

“Ireland’s global reputation as a leading producer of quality dairy products would not be achievable without the passion, commitment and expertise of Irish farming families who produce the best quality milk in the world. We are pleased to continue to shine a light on the immense qualities of Ireland’s family dairy farming system that underpins that global reputation, through the Awards.”

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Zoe Kavanagh, CEO of the National Dairy Council, said it’s more important than ever to highlight and celebrate the incredible hard work, commitment and energy that is demonstrated 24/7 by Ireland’s 17,500 dairy food producers.

“The finalists for this competition demonstrate the highest standards of sustainable dairy production. Dairy farming has been going on in Ireland for over 4,000 years, it’s a part of our national identity. Our grass-fed family farming system is ideally suited to the Irish climate and delivers world class produce.

“The farmers who have been shortlisted this year represent the highest standards as food producers delivering an exceptional product that is enjoyed at home and revered by consumers all over the world,” said Ms Kavanagh.