Laois has new national champions

Laois tillage farming excellence has been rewarded at the Tirlán Quality Grain Awards 2025 with one farmer taking the Grower of the Year Award.

The country’s top tillage farmers were celebrated on February 10 at the Tirlán Quality Grain Awards 2025 held at the Castlemartyr Resort and Midleton Distillery Experience in Cork.

Two Laois farms were celebrated at the Awards. Bobby and Denise Miller of Rathmore, Stradbally were named Tirlán Grain Growers of the Year 2025 and also won the Food Grade Oats category. Eugene and Eimear Ryan of Ballycarroll, Portlaoise won the Seed Barley award.

The Millers were recognised for exceptional attention to detail, strong technical standards and consistent delivery of premium-quality gluten-free oats, which secured the top honour and the Food Grade Oats category award.

Tirlán say the awards recognise the very best of Tirlán’s grain suppliers and celebrate excellence across barley, wheat, oats, beans and oilseed rape. Twelve category winners were recognised for producing crops of outstanding quality in 2025. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Pictured at the awards ceremony in Castlemartyr Resort are (L-R) Tirlán Head of Grains, Michael Ryan, Tirlán Grains Quality Operations Manager, Mariea O’Toole, Tirlán Chairperson John Murphy, Award-winning growers Bobby & Denise Miller from Rathmore, Stradbally, Co. Laois and Tirlán CEO Seán Molloy. Picture: Finbarr O'Rourke

Tirlán Chairperson John Murphy said the Awards provide an important opportunity to highlight the great work of growers who supply the cooperative with high‑quality native grains.

“It is always a pleasure to recognise the growers who are delivering excellent quality year after year. The winners announced today reflect the high standards that exist right across our grower base. Our growers delivered outstanding crops and demonstrated remarkable professionalism throughout a highly concentrated harvest window.

"As Ireland’s largest buyer of native grains, Tirlán remains fully committed to supporting farm families and maximising the value of Irish-grown crops,” he said.

Tirlán’s Head of Grains, Michael Ryan, said the Co‑op continues to focus on innovation in the marketplace. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Pictured (L-R) are: Tirlán board member Tom Phelan, Head of Regional Sales, Patrick Dempsey, Winner of the Seed Barley category, Eimear & Eugene Ryan from Ballycarroll, Portlaoise, and Tirlán Agronomist Andrew O’Donnell. Picture: Finbarr O'Rourke

“Innovation remains central to how we develop and expand our ingredients portfolio, our ongoing investment in facilities and R&D allows us to broaden our premium grains offering and support customers across a wide range of applications. Tirlán’s specialty oat ingredients are now used in beverages, confectionery, ice cream and other products, supported by the strong traceability and clean‑label attributes that Irish grains can deliver.

"Our strategy remains focused on expanding market opportunities and building value from Irish grain, ensuring we can continue offering competitive and sustainable premium crop options into the future,” he said.

Guest speaker Paul McGillicuddy, CEO of the Malting Company of Ireland, highlighted the role of the tillage sector in supporting Irish brewing and distilling.

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“It is a privilege to join Tirlán today in recognising the excellence of Ireland’s tillage sector. Irish malting barley - grown to the highest standards by farmers like those honoured at the awards - is the backbone of our world-class brewing and distilling industries.

"Whilst there may be some challenges around inventory levels in the distilling industry in particular, MCI’s focus remains firmly on long term growth opportunities in distilling, brewing and alternative uses for Malting Grains.

"Demand for premium Irish whiskey and Irish-crafted beers continues to grow globally, and with that comes a significant opportunity for our native grain sector," he said.

"Congratulations to this year’s winners - your workmanship, innovation and commitment to quality play a direct role in the success of Ireland’s drinks industry on the world stage,” she said.

Champion growers Bobby & Denise Miller who won the coveted Tirlán Grain Grower of the Year title at the Tirlán Quality Grain Awards 2025 and have been singled out for their exceptional attention to detail in producing top quality grains on their family farm. Pictured at the awards ceremony in Castlemartyr Resort on Tuesday, February 10th, 2026 are (L-R) Tirlán Head of Grains, Michael Ryan, Tirlán Grains Quality Operations Manager, Mariea O’Toole, Tirlán Chairperson John Murphy, Award-winning growers Bobby & Denise Miller from Rathmore, Stradbally, Co. Laois and Tirlán CEO Seán Molloy. Picture; Finbarr O'Rourke NO REPRO FEE