Kildare resident receives industry's highest honour

A local resident has been recognised for his lifelong contribution to the Irish co-operative and agrifood sector.

Dr  Seán Brady has received the co-operative industry’s highest national honour - the Plunkett Award for Co-operative Endeavour, named after Sir Horace Plunkett, founder of the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society. 

Dr. Brady, who lives with his wife Kay and family in Sallins, was reared on a family farm in Arva, Co. Cavan. He is a distinguished and respected figure in Ireland's agri-food industry, recognised for his extensive leadership for decades across numerous agricultural enterprises, strategic business initiatives and national policy programmes supporting the growth, success and economic contribution of Irish agriculture.

He was presented the award at a special  ceremony in Dublin, together with his wife Kay and family. 

Among his most notable achievements, Dr Brady chaired the expert committee responsible for developing "Food Harvest 2020," the 10-year strategic vision for the growth of Ireland's agri-food and fisheries sectors. He subsequently chaired the Dairy Expansion Activation Group to deliver on the ambitions of Food Harvest 2020.

Dr. Brady earned a Ph.D. in Food Science from University College Cork and a Diploma in Applied Finance from the Irish Management Institute. He also completed the Timoney Institute Advanced Leadership Programme. 

He began his career at Killeshandra Co-op, and was instrumental in the 1990 merger process with Lough Egish to form Lakeland Dairies, where he then served as General Manager, Dairy Division. 

He went on to hold several key industry executive roles including Managing Director of Greencore Malt for eight years, and Irish Sugar for five years, within Greencore Group plc. He also served as CEO during key transformative periods for the Irish Dairy Board (now Ornua), Aurivo Co-op , LacPatrick Dairies and Greyhound Racing Ireland, providing key strategic direction in each role. 

Dr Brady is currently chair of the Department of Agriculture’s Bovine TB Strategy Implementation Group. He is a non-executive Board director of Ornua since 2020 (nominated by Lakeland Dairies), chair of the Dairy Processing Technology Centre, a council member of the Irish Management Institute and chair of the audit committee of Kilkenny County Council. 

For over a decade to 2023 he served as Chair of the Golden Jubilee Trust, the charitable trust which funds co-operative initiatives, research and innovation for the benefit of rural communities, society and the economy.

Dr. Brady’s initial nomination for the Plunkett Award came from the board of the trust. 

He is currently chair of the board of management of Dominican College Newbridge, and has also previously served as a Director of Animal Health Ireland, the Irish National Stud and Life Credit Union. 

Edward Carr, President of the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) said: "Seán embodies the essence of visionary leadership in Ireland’s agri-food sector. His exceptional ability to combine innovation with the values of co-operative enterprise has helped to drive success for multiple organisations and has also left an indelible mark on our global reputation for food excellence. 

“As a dynamic leader with a deep well of expertise, Seán is both a forward-thinker and a steadfast advocate for collaboration, ensuring that the initiatives he steers leave a legacy of resilience and growth. He matches these qualities with a deeply engaging personality, enthusiasm for other people’s success, and an ability to bring people with him, even in difficult times.”

Dr Brady said: “I am deeply honoured to receive the Plunkett Award. The co-operative agri-food industry in Ireland holds a unique and vital place in our nation’s heart and economy. It is a sector defined by its resilience, innovation, and commitment to quality - values that reflect the very character of our people. I have been privileged to witness and contribute to its growth and transformation over the decades, and I am immensely proud of what we have all achieved together. I am deeply grateful to the many individuals and organisations I have had the privilege to work alongside”.