Shane and Kate Fitzgerald from Portlaw in Co. Waterford have been named as the 2026 Tirlán Milk Suppliers of the Year.

The couple were presented with the award at the Tirlán Dairy and Sustainability Awards 2026 which were held today (Monday, April 27).

The awards recognise the long-standing commitment of Tirlán’s dedicated suppliers to delivering high-quality, sustainably produced milk.

In total, 12 award winners were honoured across a variety of categories, covering milk quality and milk solids to environmental stewardship and ambassadorship.

Tirlán

Shane and Kate Fitzgerald also received the Farming Ambassador Award, recognising their commitment to producing high-quality milk sustainably, while actively promoting the wider dairy sector in Ireland.

The couple operate a highly efficient, grass based dairy system with around 200 spring calving Holstein Friesian cows.

The judges noted that sustainability and performance are central to their approach to farming, along with ongoing investment, strong grassland management and a clear focus on animal welfare.

The pair regularly open their farm to the public and industry groups.

Commenting at the awards, Tirlán chairperson John Murphy said: "Today is about recognising the hard work, care and commitment shown on family farms right across our regions".

"Our suppliers continue to set the standard in quality and sustainability, and that is something we are immensely proud of.

"Their dedication is what truly sets Irish dairy apart, both at home and on the global stage," he added.

Tirlán chief executive officer Seán Molloy also congratulated all of the award recipients.

"While the past spring has been a challenging one on farms, the resilience and professionalism of our members gives us great confidence for the future," he said.

Award winners

The full list of Tirlán Dairy and Sustainability Award Winners 2026 are as follows:

South Region Award: Aherne Family, Shanawalla Farms Stradbally, Co. Waterford;
West Region Award: Tom and Bill Gaffney Tullaroan, Co. Kilkenny;
East Region Award: Seamus Byrne Athy, Co. Kildare;
North Region Award: Tim, Gillian and Roisin Fitzgerald Abbeyleix, Co. Laois;
Northern Ireland Award: Hugh Harbison Aghadowey, Colleraine, Co. Derry;
Milk Solids Growth Champion: Dan O’Reilly, Stonefield Farms Kells, Co. Meath;
Avonmore Fresh Milk Supplier of the Year: Amanda and John Mooney, Reynoldstown Farm Partnership Ashford, Co. Wicklow;
Sustainability Champion: Seamus Brennan Attanagh, Co. Laois
Farming Ambassadors: Shane and Kate Fitzgerald Portlaw, Co. Waterford;
Young Farmers: David Fogarty and Katie O’Toole Cantwellscourt, Co. Kilkenny
New Entrant: Conor Wynne Newbridge, Co. Kildare.