John Murray

Reared on a suckler farm, John graduated from UCD in 2003 with a Bachelor of Agricultural Science before completing a Diploma in Marketing at Westminster College, London. Starting his career as a Trade Marketing Specialist with Bord Bia Britain in 2004, his responsibilities included raising awareness and reputation of Irish meat amongst UK buyers. Returning from the UK market, he worked with various Irish meat companies on the development of the market at retail level. His experience led him to the commercial role of a meat buyer for Superquinn in 2007. John’s remit primarily focused on delivering quality Irish products, understanding consumer insights and working with suppliers to build sustainable business. His role as Executive Director of Agri Aware commenced on 11 May 2009.

Ciara O’Kelly

Ciara completed an honours degree in English and Sociology in UCC. She has also studied at Dublin Institute of Technology and graduated with a Masters in Public Relations. Before joining Agri Aware, she worked as Marketing and PR Co-ordinator with an architectural firm.

Aiveen Carr

Aiveen holds a MA in Public Affairs and Political Communication from Dublin Institute of Technology and Bachelor of Social Science from University College of Dublin. Aiveen worked with two senators in Seanad Eireann. There she gained a concise understanding of the workings of policy and legislation both within Ireland and the EU. Aiveen joined the Agri Aware team in August 2008.

Emer O' Kelly

Agri Aware

Emer completed a Bachelor of Multimedia Studies from Cork Institute of Technology in 2008. She worked with Third Force where she was responsible for the development of ECDL software. She gained valuable experience working with programmes such as Flash and Adobe Creative Suite. Emer joined Agri Aware as Graphic Design and Web Developer in 2009.

Nora Ide McAuliffe

Natalie Madden

Anna-Marie McHugh

Anna-Marie McHugh from Athy, Co. Kildare, is the National Ploughing Association’s Press Executive. The National Ploughing Association was established in 1931. Agri Aware has had aconsistent presence at the National and World Ploughing Championships since its establishment 1996.

Gerard Brickley

Representing Bord Bia

Representing one of our founding members, Bord Bia, Gerard Brickley is Director of Meat and Livestock in the organisation. Living in Co. Laois, Gerard also farms and produces pedigree beef cattle.

James Gallagher

James Gallagher is a farmer living in Cornagee, Kinlough, Co. Sligo. James was elected to the Agri Aware board in March 2008. James is also a member of the Connacht Gold Co-op Board of Directors. Connacht Gold Co-Op is a large multi-purpose co-operative engaged in a wide range of activities from dairy processing and liquid milk distribution to wool trading and timber saw-milling

James Kelly

Secretary, Representing IFA

James Kelly commenced his role as Secretary of Agri Aware in April 2009. From Co. Roscommon, he is Director of Organisation in the IFA, one of our founding members. James previously worked with Macra na Feirme and was Executive Director for Agri Aware for five years.

Jer Bergin

Jer Bergin, a beef, sheep and tillage farmer from Ballacolla, Co. Laois, ended his two-year term as Laois IFA County Chairman in January 2008. Jer has been an active member of the IFA for many years, a founding organisation of Agri Aware. Jer joined the Agri Aware board of directors in March 2008

Jim Power

Friends First

Co-opted to the Board of Directors in 2006, Jim Power is the Chief Economist with Friends First. From a farming background in Co Waterford, Mr Power is a well-known commentator on matters of farming, finance and economics.

Joe Healy

Farmer

Living and working in Athenry, Co. Galway, Joe Healy is a dairy and sheep farmer. He is currently the livestock editor of the farming supplement in the Irish Independent, whilst also holding a post as a board member of FBD Co-op. Former positions include National President of Macra na Feirme.

John McCullen

Representing FBD

Living in Co. Meath, John McCullen is very much involved in Agri Aware, having previously held the position of Chairman. He currently represents FBD, one of our founder members. John writes regular columns about farming and country life in the Drogheda Independent, and has also written a number of books. He has held many positions with the IFA, both on a national and local level.

Kieran O'Connor

Glanbia Plc

Elected to the Agri Aware board in 2003, Kieran O’Connor works as sponsorship manager in Glanbia Plc, one of our patron members. He also runs his own farming and food show on WLR FM (Waterford Local Radio FM) Originally from Co. Waterford, Kieran is also very much involved in GAA hurling circles.

Michael Cronin

Representing Irish Dairy Board

Living in Co. Cork, Michael Cronin is the CEO of Newmarket Co-op. He is also Chairman of the Irish Dairy Board, one of Agri Aware’s founding members.

Pat O' Keeffe

Irish Farmers Journal

Pat O' Keeffe is News Editor and Deputy Editor of the Irish Farmers Journal. From a farming background in east Cork, he graduated from UCD in 1996 with an honours degree in Agricultural Science, before completing a Masters degree in Animal Science at the Dairy Research Corporation in New Zealand. He is chairman of the Guild of Agricultural Journalists of Ireland.

Peter Byrne

Tipperary man, Peter Byrne, joined Agri Aware’s board of directors in March 2008. Peter is the Chief Executive of Farm Relief Services Network. FRS Network has a total of 22 offices Nationwide providing assistance at a local level with fencing systems, health and safety, training services, recruitment and foreign workers

Sheila Nunan

INTO (Irish National Teachers Organisations)

Co-opted to Agri Aware’s Board of Directors in 2007, Shelia represents our aim to inform teachers and educate children. Currently, Sheila acts as General Treasurer of the INTO and held the position as INTO President from 2005-2006. Sheila was the principal in St Kieran’s National School in Bray, Co. Wicklow from 1999-2005.

TJ Maher

Farmer

Living and working in Killenaule, Co. Tipperary, TJ Maher is a full time dairy farmer. He is very involved with Agri Aware and previously held the post of Chairman. Currently, Mr Maher is a Board Member of FBD Co-op, whilst former positions include National President of Macra na Feirme.

Tom Tynan

IAWS Group

From Co. Kilkenny, Tom Tynan is the Commercial Director with IAWS, an international lifestyle food company. From a farming background in Co. Kilkenny, former positions include Executive Secretary to IFA’s National Dairy Committee.