Cream of the crop: Limerick milk suppliers are honoured

HOSPITAL'S John Paul Kinnane has been declared the Limerick regional winner in the 2022 Dairygold Milk Quality Awards.

Mr Kinnane, who is also a civil engineer, runs a solo operation, managing 72 crossbred cows.

Mr Kinnane has consistently produced an excellent quality of milk, with this being the second time that he has been selected as a Limerick regional finalist, having also been shortlisted in 2012.

The judges were impressed by his methods used to maximise grass utilisation, his keen focus on soil fertility, and the exceptional standard of care that his animals received.

Speaking about the awards, Dairygold chairman Seán O’Brien said 2022 was a positive year in terms of milk price but it also brought with it some challenges such as rising input costs and supply chain uncertainty.

“Despite these challenges, Dairygold’s milk suppliers continued to provide the highest quality milk to the society for its customers.

“We also appreciate the work of our milk suppliers in adopting more sustainable farming practices in a bid to help us all reach our sectoral emissions target.

WATCH: Speculation rife in Limerick town following €1m lottery win

“Late last year we launched the Grassroots Bonus programme in a bid to reward the efforts being made by our milk suppliers in this regard.

“The future of the industry hinges on the action we take now,” said Mr O’Brien.

The awards were based on 2022 milk quality data for all 2,600 Dairygold milk suppliers across counties Cork, Tipperary, Limerick and Clare.

A shortlist was drawn up from each of the six Dairygold regions. Eighteen finalists underwent adjudication by Don Crowley, Teagasc dairy specialist and Professor Frank Buckley, University College Cork.

The judges chose one overall winner, six regional winners, a sustainability winner and a special recognition award winner.

The finalists in the Limerick region who joined Mr Kinnane were Tadhg Hennessy, Shronell, County Tipperary and John Ryan, Knocklong.

While Patrick and Margaret Ryan, Ballylanders, were finalists in the Mitchelstown region.

Congratulations to all.