Leinster Co-Operative Marts has announced the appointment of Paddy Galvin as its general manager.

Galvin brings "extensive experience" in livestock systems, agribusiness and customer relationship management to the role, the mart business said.

He joins Leinster Marts from Tirlán, where he held management and advisory roles since 2016, most recently as ruminant business manager since 2017.

In that role he supported farmers in improving on-farm efficiency and profitability, while building strong commercial relationships across the region, Leinster Marts said.

Galvin also has farming experience, having managed a dairy enterprise, and continues to operate a beef and sheep farming system at home.

At Leinster Marts, he succeeds the late Jimmy Walsh, who contributed over 40 years of service to the organisation and the wider farming community, and who passed away in January of this year.

Commenting on the appointment, John Brennan, chairperson of Leinster Marts, said: "Paddy’s business experience and practical knowledge of livestock production and mart trading gives him a strong understanding of the needs of farmers and customers alike.

"As we welcome Paddy, we very warmly remember the excellent contribution of the late Jimmy Walsh, whose leadership and commitment over four decades established the marts as a cornerstone of the agricultural community," Brennan added.

Galvin himself commented: "I’m honoured to take on this role. I look forward to working with customers, staff and shareholders as we continue supporting farmers and further developing the strong tradition and contribution of Leinster Marts into the future.

Leinster Marts was established 56 years ago by the amalgamation of Carlow, Kilcullen (Co. Kildare) and Borris (Co. Carlow) Marts, with its earliest antecedent (Carlow Mart) established 66 years ago.

Tirlán

There have also been changes at the upper echelons of Galvin's former employer Tirlán.

Tirlán confirmed last week that Gerard O’Brien will be the co-op's next chair.

The dairy farmer from Camphire, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford, first joined the board of the co-op in June 2018, and served as vice-chair from May 2024 to May 2025.

He succeeds John Murphy, who has been the chair of Tirlán since October 2020.