Kildare farmers graduate from the Tirlán & Baileys Sustainable Farming Academy class of 2025

Three Kildare farmers were among twenty Tirlán farmers proudly graduating as the third group of family farm suppliers from the Tirlán and Baileys Sustainable Farming Academy.

Kildare farmers Stephen Byrne, Monasterevin; Seamus Cogan, Moone; and Niall O’Loughlin, Harristown, were among those graduating.

The 2025 graduates completed their Diploma in Environment, Sustainability, and Climate from University College Cork (UCC), following a year-long programme to equip them with essential skills and knowledge to further enhance sustainable farming practices.

The Academy, now in its third year, continues to help farm families implement positive environmental actions while addressing the ongoing challenges around sustainability.

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Carol Power, Senior Sales Manager at Tirlán, congratulated this year’s graduates: “Sustainability is integral to our operations, both on our farms and throughout our Co-op. The graduates have demonstrated exceptional dedication to understanding and embedding sustainability on their farms. In alignment with Tirlán’s Living Proof strategy, we are committed to supporting our farm family suppliers in addressing current and future sustainability challenges.”

She further stated: “Our collaboration with Baileys is fundamental to producing a world-class product, and it is encouraging to see the ever-growing interest in participating in our Sustainable Farming Academy.”

Tribute

Tirlán Chairperson, John Murphy paid tribute to Tirlán milk supplier and talented cyclist Tomás Walsh who passed away tragically in Paris during the summer.

“We are thinking of Tomás today as his parents join the graduation class to collect his diploma. Tomás was a very engaged and valued class member, and our thoughts are very much with the Walsh family.”

Robert Murphy, Global Supply Director for Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur, said: "We are incredibly proud to be part of this initiative. At Baileys, sustainability is deeply rooted in how we operate, and supporting farmers through this programme is a key part of that. The dedication of these graduates highlights the progress being made to create a more sustainable future in farming."

Belinda Gascoigne, ACE Centre Manager and Programme Director for UCC, said; “Today marks another significant milestone for sustainable agriculture in Ireland, in collaboration with Tirlán and Baileys. Watching these twenty dedicated farmers complete their Diploma in Environment, Sustainability, and Climate fills me with immense pride. Over the past year, they have demonstrated remarkable commitment to balancing their demanding farm responsibilities with rigorous academic study.

“The knowledge and practical skills they have gained will not only transform their own farming operations but will ripple out to benefit their communities and the broader agricultural sector.

“They asked the tough questions and sought practical solutions they could implement immediately on their farms, and I am confident they will be ambassadors for positive environmental change in Irish agriculture.”

Delivered by UCC, the diploma is accredited and fully funded, enabling farmers to balance their studies with full-time farm responsibilities.

The programme covers a range of important topics, including Earth Science, Climate Change and Sustainable Development, Ecology, Applied Geographical Information Systems, Environmental Protection, and Practical Environmental Management.

With this third graduating class, the Tirlán and Baileys Sustainable Farming Academy continues to build a solid foundation for future generations of farm suppliers, further reinforcing Ireland's leadership in sustainable agricultural practices.