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Professor Eileen Gibney appointed chair of Healthy Diet, Healthy Life (HDHL)
Professor of nutrition, Eileen Gibney, is the director of the Institute of Food and Health at UCD. HDHL is an EU initiative bringing together 14 countries that align research programming into diet-related chronic disease. Her career started with a BSc in human nutrition at Ulster University. She later completed a PhD at the University of Cambridge, working at the MRC Dunn Nutrition Unit.
Speaking about the appointment, Eileen says, “The shared vision across countries in Europe to a common goal really resonates with me. I feel the collective and common view to improve our food systems, and population health is important. Through initiatives like HDHL, this is fostered and nurtured, in what seems an increasingly fragmented society.”
Anne Randles Appointed president of Eucolait
Anne Randles is the director of corporate affairs at Ornua, Ireland’s largest dairy export company, and has served as a board member of Eucolait since 2008, during which time she previously held the position of vice president. Eucolait represents some 430 dairy trading companies from 21 countries, with an estimated combined turnover of €80bn. Anne also serves on a number of dairy industry related boards, both in Ireland and internationally.
Speaking about her appointment as president of Eucolait, Anne says,“Dairy trade globally is facing some unique challenges and opportunities and I look forward to leading the organisation and supporting Eucolait’s role in promoting the interests of European dairy in what is a rapidly changing geopolitical trade policy environment.”
Paul O’Connell appointed milk supply and farm succession manager in Dairygold
Paul O’Connell will take on responsibility for developing programmes and strategies to address the succession challenge and to protect, maintain and grow the Dairygold milk pool into the future.
He brings a wealth of experience to this position having worked in Dairygold for over 37 years and serving as milk supply manager since 2012. The role acknowledges the growing importance of engaging with farmers to keep land in dairy.
Dairygold chief executive Michael Harte says, “Our milk pool is an extremely valuable asset and Dairygold will be proactive in preserving it.
“This expanded role is an important step in achieving that and we’re delighted to have someone with Paul’s experience to lead this.”
Sandra Hayes appointed Teagasc regional advisory manager in the Laois, Kildare and Offaly advisory region
Sandra Hayes will lead the Teagasc team that delivers advisory services to farmers and educational courses in the regional offices of Laois, Kildare and Offaly. She graduated from UCD with a degree in agricultural science, with a major in animal and crop production. She currently co-ordinates the Teagasc/Tirlán Future Farm joint programme.
Speaking about her new appointment she says, “I want to work with the farmers in this region to produce quality food in an economic and environmentally sustainable way.
“I am really looking forward to taking on this management role in Teagasc and working closely with all the staff in the region to deliver an excellent service to farmers.
Brian McInerney appointed chair of the Irish Grown Wool Council
Brian McInerney is a senior counsel and member of the Inner Bar with a distinguished career in the Irish legal system. He has been a practising barrister since 1994. In January 2023, Brian was co-opted onto the council of the Irish Limousin Cattle Society for one year. Now he takes the position of chair of the Irish Grown Wool Council.
Brian says he is pleased to take the role at such an important time for Irish wool. “Wool is an incredible natural material, sustainable, renewable and deeply woven into our cultural identity. Yet for too long, it has been undervalued. My goal is to help strengthen the systems that support Irish-grown wool and to ensure it gets the recognition and investment that it deserves,” he says.
Tom Sutton appointed technical sales manager at Target Fertilisers Ltd
Tom Sutton is a Cork native and graduate of agriculture and crop management from Harper Adams University. He previously held the role of agricultural sales manager with Lisavaird Co-Op in west Cork and has developed extensive experience in crop production and agronomy, including fertiliser sales and crop walking.
Speaking about his new position, Tom says, “I’m delighted to join the Target Fertilisers team and I am looking forward to working closely with customers across Munster and south Leinster, offering agronomic support and fertiliser solutions to help boost on-farm productivity. Target Fertilisers is committed to providing market-leading fertilisers for grass and tillage farmers.”
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