Laois graduates show exceptional dedication to sustainability

Laois farmers are among the family farm supplier graduate class to complete the Tirlán and Baileys Sustainable Farming Academy.

Sylvester Phelan, Mountrath and Conor Broderick, Ballacolla, were among those in the 2025 graduates who 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.

Tirlán says the Academy helps farm families implement environmental actions while addressing the ongoing challenges around sustainability.

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.

“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,” she said.

PICTURED: Back Row (l-r) – Niall O’Loughlin (Kildare), James O’Brien (Kilkenny), Eamonn McEnteggart (Louth), Liam Walsh (Carlow), Larry Kavanagh (Wexford), Conor Broderick (Laois), Sylvester Phelan (Laois), James Power (Waterford). Middle row (l-r) – Carol Power (Senior Sales Manager, Tirlán), Patricia Kehoe (Wexford) Lisa Koep (Kilkenny), David French (Wexford), Seamus Cogan (Wexford), Stephen Byrne (Kildare) Frank Walsh (Waterford), Róisín Cummins (Kilkenny), John Flood (Kilkenny), Colette Quigley (Waterford), and Brigid Coffey (Waterford). Front row – University College Cork Academic Team Members including President of UCC Professor John O'Halloran (centre). Photo: John Allen

Robert Murphy, Global Supply Director for Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur, also commented.

"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,” he said.

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Belinda Gascoigne is the ACE Centre Manager and UCC Programme Director.

“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,” she said.

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.