New chair of Dairy Industry Ireland announced

DAIRY Industry Ireland, the Ibec group representing the dairy and specialised nutrition processing sector in the state, announced recently that Pat Sheahan, CEO of North Cork Creameries, is the new chair of the association. He succeeds Conor Ryan, CEO of Arrabawn, who concluded his twoyear term on December 31.

Pat Sheahan said: “It is an honour to assume the role of national chair for an industry that contributes significantly to Ireland. The dairy sector in Ireland serves as a national and international powerhouse, delivering high-quality, affordable nutrition from our natural, grass-based, family farm system to people in Ireland and around the world.

“I would like to extend special appreciation to my predecessor, Conor Ryan, who has played a pivotal role in steering the industry through the challenges of Brexit, Covid, the Ukraine crisis, and, most notably, in fostering a unified response from the industry as we enhance our sustainability credentials.”

Conor Mulvihill, Director of Dairy Industry Ireland, expressed his delight at Pat’s appointment, stating: “I am delighted to welcome Pat as chair.

Over the next two years, Pat will bring a combination of energy and experience to the role, which I believe will be crucial during this critical period for our largest indigenous industry on the island.”

Pat, a native of west Limerick with a background in dairy science, has been the CEO of North

Cork Creameries and a board member of Dairy Industry Ireland since 2012. He boasts a distinguished career with Kerry Group in Europe and the UK.

The dairy industry is a vital native sector of Ireland, employing nearly 55,000 people and generating over €17.6 billion in economic activity in the state, including €7 billion in exports.