Two Tipperary Farming Families Featured Among Winners At 2023 NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards.
The Bergin family, (Who supply Centenerary Thurles Co-op), are from Kilbragh, Cashel were crowned the overall runner up at this year’s ceremony.
Denis and Teresa Bergin, with their son David, run their family farm, supported by their son Keith and daughter Avril. David, a fifth-generation farmer, briefly pursued a career as a jockey before returning to his true passion, dairy farming.
The farm is steeped in history, with the ruins of a 12th-century village standing proudly, preserving a piece of the past. An old church and village on the Bergins’ lane are also part of the farm’s heritage.
The Bergin family preserve the historical buildings that surround them as well as maintaining the land itself. They also won the Environment category.
The family’s love for the herd is obvious through their passionate care of their cows above all else. The Bergins exhibit fantastic family unity, often gathering around the kitchen table where everyone is involved in the decision making on the farm.
The Lonergan family, (Who supply Tipperary Co-op), are from Drangan More, Cahir, Co. Tipperary, won the Lowest Carbon Footprint Award.
John Lonergan lives on the farm with his wife Martina and their daughter Cora. John has harboured a deep passion for farming since the age of 12 years, before officially taking the reins of their family farm as a 27 year old.
John now hopes to pass the farm down to Cora, who shares an equal love for the land. Martina plays an integral role on the farm and the Lonergan’s close-knit relationship fosters a strong partnership between the three. Together, Martina and Cora stand as shining examples of the invaluable contributions of women in agriculture. The Lonergans have witnessed the transformative journey of farming, from the horse and trap era to embracing modern technologies.
Both awards were presented at a special ceremony held in Ballymaloe House Hotel, Shanagarry, Co. Cork.
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