Latest news with #Avonmore


Irish Times
21-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Irish Times
Immaculate six-bed with space for a family to grow in Foxrock for €1.9m
Address : Kincora, Avonmore, Foxrock, Dublin 18 Price : €1,900,000 Agent : Savills View this property on Kincora, tucked into the quiet, tree-lined cul-de-sac of Avonmore in Foxrock , is the kind of house that reveals its scale slowly. From the outside, it presents a neat, symmetrical front with traditional red brick, but inside it feels more like a brand-new home. And a sizeable one at that. It dates from 2004 and was purchased in 2006 by its current owners, who have raised their four sons within its substantial 423sq m (4,553sq ft). Now with an empty nest, they are downsizing locally. There's an abundance of space within this six-bedroom home, but it never feels overly large thanks to its practical and well-designed layout. Hall Kitchen Kitchen, living and dining area is the hub of this six-bedroom home Family room The main reception room, complete with a bay window and marble fireplace, lies to the rear, benefiting from its southwesterly aspect. It's a more formal space in contrast with the heart of the home: a generous open-plan kitchen, dining and living area that lies adjacent. READ MORE 'It gets light from morning to evening and has really been the focal point of the house,' says the owner, of the pristine solid-wood kitchen by Neptune, which has recently been resprayed and houses a four-oven Aga and high-end appliances. There's also a utility and bootroom here. From the kitchen and dining area, two sets of French doors open out on to a granite-paved patio, with a lawn framed by tall, mature hedging allowing much privacy. It's quiet and peaceful, with ample room for kids to kick a ball around, while adults can observe from a sunken patio. Its southwesterly aspect ensures sunshine all day. Main bedroom The house has five bathrooms The house has a large space on the top floor with a multitude of uses Snooker room Rear elevation Rear garden Additional rooms include a family room, a dedicated study and a snooker room. Upstairs, six bedrooms are spread across the first and second floors. The main bedroom has a fine en suite and walk-in wardrobe, with three further bedrooms on the first floor and two on the second. These upper levels are where the scale of the house is really felt; the top floor could easily lend itself to a home office, guest suite or teen retreat. It is currently laid out as a gym, and was used as a home office during Covid. What's appealing about this family home is not just its proportions but its condition, as it's been very well maintained. Its B2 energy rating is thanks to recent upgrades, including triple-glazed windows, an efficient heating system, LED lighting and zoned underfloor heating. Its location is another strong selling point. Avonmore is one of those small, settled enclaves in Foxrock that doesn't get much turnover or traffic, and the property has a pedestrian gate in to the development, while out front there is easy access to the M11 and M50. It is also within easy reach of several schools, golf clubs and village shops. Kincora will appeal to buyers looking for a sizeable long-term family home in one of Dublin's most established suburbs. It is available through Savills, seeking €1.9 million.


Irish Times
12-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Tírlan urged to seek expert advice on Glanbia holding
The board of dairy co-op Tírlan has been urged to seek expert advice on how it should dispose of its stake in Glanbia plc. The group, which owns the Avonmore and Kilmeaden brands, has lost up to €500 million on the value of its holding amid a slump in Glanbia's share price. It is currently in the process of spinning out 15 million Glanbia shares to members but at a greatly reduced value, an issue that has created tensions within the group. At a heated AGM this month, Tírlan shareholders repeatedly asked the board if it had sought outside advice on how best to divest of its holding in the Kilkenny-based nutritionals group, and what – as Glanbia's largest shareholder – it planned to do about the PLC's recent underperformance. READ MORE Glanbia shares have slumped in recent months on the back of a profit warning and questions about the strategic direction of the company. Activist investor Clearway Capital, which has a 1 per cent stake in Glanbia, has called for a strategic review of the company, with the goal of splitting it up, and has attempted to enlist support from Tírlan. 'The time has come to conduct a formal, board-led strategic review focused specifically on separating the businesses from one another,' Clearway's founder and chief executive Gianluca Ferrari said in a recent letter to Tírlan. A separation could be achieved through various means, including sales of its US dairy and global ingredients assets, or a spin-off its biggest division, Glanbia Performance Nutrition (GPN), which sells protein powders and shakes to gym-goers and dieters, to existing shareholders and a listing on a US exchange, he said. At Glanbia's AGM last month, Mr Ferrari said the 'sprawling corporate structure' was undervaluing the business and amplifying shocks. At the Tírlan AGM, one shareholder asked why it took an investor with barely 1 per cent of shares to raise questions about Glanbia's operation. In response to queries from The Irish Times, Tírlan, formerly Glanbia Ireland, declined to comment. Glanbia has linked its poor share performance and recent profit warning to a sudden and unexpected jump in the price of whey protein, its main input. The company has also signalled it planned to offload its ailing SlimFast brand, acquired in 2018 for $350 million, following a fall-off in sales. Chief executive Hugh McGuire insisted last month that 2024 was a strong year for the group but it had been hit by two notable headwinds: the high-than-expected price of whey protein and, more recently, US tariffs which he described as a 'massive distraction for the business'.


Irish Independent
03-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Waterford farming family celebrate Tirlán award of Milk Supplier of the Year
Tirlán, a farmer-owned dairy and grain co-operative, celebrated excellence, innovation, and commitment among its family farm milk suppliers at its Dairy and Sustainability Awards. John and Mary Byrne from Coolnasmear, Dungarvan, County Waterford were presented with the Milk Supplier of the Year award. John is the fifth generation of his family to farm there and says the family farm is very special to him. 'We put huge emphasis on animal health, whether it be the calves or the cows. We try to keep their nutrition right at all times,' said John. 'Grass is number one and we try to get as much quality grass into them as we can. If we don't look after this country and this earth, nobody else is going to. We have to keep things right on farm. The vast majority of farmers are doing that and doing it very well.' A total of sixteen awards were presented across a variety of categories at the awards, from exceptional milk quality and milk solids to environmental stewardship and innovation. The highlight of the event was the announcement of the Byrne family from near Dungarvan in Waterford as Tirlán Milk Supplier of the Year. John Murphy, chairperson of Tirlán, congratulated all recipients, saying: 'These awards are a celebration of the passion, care and innovation that our family farm suppliers bring to their work every day. 'It all starts on the family farm and it's about so much more than milk. It's about the family farm business. It's about values, progress and pride in doing the right thing. 'The quality of Irish milk and of our Irish family farm model based on grass-fed is our unique selling point around the globe. It's something we're very proud of and it is winning us new markets and new customers every day.' Seán Molloy, CEO of Tirlán, added: 'We are incredibly proud of our suppliers and their commitment to quality and sustainability. They are the reason our products are trusted across Ireland and around the world. 'Working with our suppliers, we continue focus on innovation, enhancing biodiversity, protecting our waterways, embracing new technology and new ways of working to reduce carbon. Our strong focus on farming with nature and animal welfare ensures we are building a better, more resilient future for Irish dairy.' Tirlán family farm suppliers have a long heritage of delivering quality milk from well-managed, grass-fed herds for consumers to enjoy through many award-winning products, including the number one dairy brand, Avonmore. Suppliers have also been adopters of new technologies and continue to further enhance sustainability on their farms through a focus on reducing on-farm emissions and allowing space for nature. Over 99pc of Tirlán milk suppliers are signed up to the cooperative's Sustainability Action Payments initiative.


Irish Independent
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
See photos as ‘Shrek the Musical' is brought to life by Wicklow musical society
After months of planning, fundraising and rehearsals, the society reaped the rewards of all their efforts in their 43rd annual production and their first sell-out since the 2012 production of The Wizard of Oz. Amy Penston was making her directorial debut for the society, having appeared on stage numerous times over the years, while musical director Conor McCarthy was musically directing for the first time for Avonmore and Martina Lynch, who has choreographed every show since the 2010 production of Seussical, returned as choreographer. The show had a massive cast of 70 who sang, dance and acted, including Andrew Docherty (Shrek), Orlagh Sunderland (Donkey), Ellie Willoughby (Princess Fiona), Sean Hendley (Lord Farquaad) and Christine Dunne Firmo (Dragon), with so many others performing as part of the talented ensemble. The society has a good mix of ages from young to not so young, with the most senior player this year being James Kearon (Pied Piper), who is a legend in Avonmore. Lauren Gammell played the part of teen Fiona, with the part of young Fiona being played by April Prestage and Amber Simmons. The production team that brought the magic of Shrek had lots of help from Natasha Byrne on costumes, Sharon Kavanagh (hair and makeup), Mick Russell (set), Karen Kavanagh (props), Cathal O'Donohoe (lighting), Jason Fallon (sound) and their teams. 'I'm very proud of what the society has achieved in taking the much-loved story from the page to the stage,' Avonmore chairperson Patrick Bracken said. 'I'd like to acknowledge the massive financial support of local businesses, but especially Ryan Neary of R Neary Motors, who were the Avonmore main sponsors for the second year. I would like to say a massive thanks to Aidan Ward and all at St Mary's for their constant support by allowing the use of the school for all of Avonmore's shows. 'An enormous thanks to our hard-working committee led by secretary Nicole Forde, treasurer Tomas Byrne, PROs Rob Donnelly and Christine Nolan and committee members Aoife Coade, Dearbhla O'Connor, Colm Moules, Michael Russell and Stacey Myler. 'Finally, the society are so grateful to the thousands of audience members who return year after year and inspire the society to keep going and growing. Avonmore will be back in action soon planning for next Easter but for now it's time for a rest,' he said.


Irish Independent
29-04-2025
- Irish Independent
Ireland's largest dairy company to donate to charity after admitting polluting river in incident at Monaghan plant
Tirlán avoided a fine, however, after making a donation to charity and paying the legal costs of the prosecuting body, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) The case was heard at the district court in Monaghan where Tirlán (formerly Glanbia) has a dairy processing facility in the local Lough Egish Business Park. The plant makes long-life milk and cream versions of Tirlán's Avonmore products, primarily for export to the Asian market. In an incident in November 2023, what IFI called 'high levels of grossly polluting matter' flowed from the plant into a nearby tributary of the Knappagh River. The Knappagh River flows into the River Erne, one of the country's most significant trout and salmon rivers. The Erne's brown trout used the Knappagh River and tributaries as an important spawning and nursery habitat. The court heard that large amounts of a white-coloured effluent from Tirlán flowed into the waterway. Samples taken by IFI officers found 'high levels of organic material in the effluent that was toxic to fish, insects and other aquatic life'. Milton Matthews, the IFI's North Western River Basin District director, said the affected river catchment was classified under EU law as 'at risk', meaning it was already under pressure from a number of pollution sources and other stressors. 'This serious pollution event had a significant impact on the brown trout spawning and nursery habitat within the Knappagh River catchment,' Mr Matthews said. The court heard that since the incident, detected on November 24 2023, Tirlán had put in place measures to prevent a recurrence. These included regulator daily monitoring and visual checks of the facility and the adjacent watercourse. Tirlán, which on Tuesday announced it had revenue of €2.66 billion last year, admitted the incident but was let off with the Probation Act on the undertaking that it make a donation to charity and cover IFI's legal expenses. IFI's costs came to €15,000 and a donation of €5,000 was made to the Bawn Community Group to support the development and promotion of angling in the Bawn and Latton areas of Co Monaghan. IFI said the donation was 'a welcome support to this long-established local voluntary group'. The fisheries agency is urging the public to report pollution incidents or other issues of concern to its confidential number 0818 347424.