FRS Network has grown steadily
THE FRS Network, incorporating FRS Farm Services and FRS Fencing Systems, commenced in April 1977 as a relief milking service to 33 farmers. Today it has developed into a multi- ser vice vibrant business, serving in excess of 1,000 customers in the agriculture and non- agri sectors.
Having started with three part time people the co-op now has a worforce of approx. 60, many of whom are full time.
Many others use FRS to supplement their farm income.
FRS provides a vital labour service to small, medium and large scale farmers who cannot afford, or could financially justify, a full time labour unit.
Meanwhile, the co-op provides a professional fencing service where quality materials are key to the success story.
Back in 1977, when the service began, three part-time relief milkers were recruited, one of whom, Dan O’Riordan, acted as co-ordinator.
As the business grew and numbers expanded the Co-op rented its first office in Percival Street in Kanturk. Dan was appointed full time manager and within a few years, as the fencing business outgrew the premises, the Co-op purchased what was formally Sutton’s coal yard.
At all times, crucial to the included Michael Cronin success and development was assisted by Noreen O’Leary a forward looking committee. and later PJ O’Sullivan took
The founding chairman over. was Noel Corkery, who guided All of these, together with the co-op in the early years, their voluntary committees, followed by John Forde, who served the Co-op and its members became a committee member very well. following a merger with Almost 10 years ago, with Newmarket/ Boherbue Farm ongoing development and increased Relief Service, and a few years staff and operator numbers, later John J O’Connell took a new site was acquired the reins. where a purpose built office
John was succeeded by Donal and store, based in Dromalour, Lehane, who served the role Kanturk, now serves the large until current chairman Tim customer base. Leader was appointed. Rose McCarthy, who has almost
The setting up of FRS in Kanturk 30 years service, is office was initiated by the Board manager and the heartbeat and management of North of FRS. Cork Co-op, and Newmarket/ Mike Carroll works as full Boherbue FRS by the Board and time Farm Services Co-ordinator, management of Newmarket providing services such and Boherbue Co-ops. as Relief Milking, Dairy Relief
The former chairmen of Work, Tractor Driving, as well Newmarket/ Boherbue Co-op, as specialised services such as pre-merger, included founding Hoof Care, Freeze Branding, chairman Dan Francis Pregnancy Scanning, Calf Dehorning, Murphy, Eugene Guerin and etc, etc. Darby Carroll RIP. Management Mike works with a large in Newmarket/ Boherbue team of operators to provide such these vital services to the farming community.
Following a second merger in 2009, Dan O’Riordan now operates as Area Manager for FRS Fencing Systems, covering Cork and Limerick.
While Kanturk is the main base for the fencing business, the Co-op also has offices in Bruree, Co Limerick, where Pat O’Sullivan manages fencing, and Bandon, where Gordon Kingston runs the day to day operation.
Farm Services Manager Paudy Collins works out of the Midleton office.
Dan O’Riordan is keen to point out and highlight the key role played by operators with FRS over the last 40 years.
The expanded fencing service now includes a well stocked DIY fencing store where customers can buy products for farm and home.
The Co-op provides a fencing service to Agriculture, Residential, Security, sports fields as well as industry.