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Irish Independent

‘A pioneering figure in Irish agriculture' – Co-founder of Dawn Meats Dan Browne dies at the age of 88

The Board of Dawn Meats expressed its 'deepest condolences' to Mr Browne's wife, Kay, and his family. A spokesperson said Mr Browne was a 'pioneering figure in Irish agriculture and made an outstanding contribution to the Irish agri-food industry, and the meat industry in particular'. 'He was a remarkable leader and visionary, serving as Managing Director of Dawn Meats for 27 years and developing the business into one of Europe's leading meat processing companies,' they said. 'He was also a valued member of the board of Dawn Meats and through his wise counsel, he continued to play a key role in the further success of the company. 'Through his work at Dawn Meats and his wider contribution to agriculture and the agri-food industry, Mr Browne leaves a lasting legacy and he will be greatly missed.' His funeral mass will take place on Friday, June 27, at St Mary's Church, Ballygunner, Waterford, at 11am. Mr Browne was from a farming background in Douglas, Co Cork, and started his career as a research scientist. He worked with An Foras Talúntais, the agricultural research institute, initially at the grassland research centre at Johnstown Castle in Wexford before moving back to Cork in 1959 where he developed a national dairy research centre at Moorepark, outside Fermoy. He was the third scientist to be recruited to Moorepark and was central in building a world-class centre there over the following 15 years. In 1974, Mr Browne left the world of research and joined the meat industry, becoming manager of the Cork Marts — IMP plant at Midleton. ADVERTISEMENT In 1980, Mr Browne, along with John Queally and the late Peter Queally, established Dawn Meats. He served as managing director of the company, a position he held for 27 years. Under his leadership, Dawn Meats quickly developed into one of Europe's leading meat processing companies. Mr Browne retired from his role as managing director in 2007, but continued to be a board member of Dawn Meats and a key adviser to the company's leadership as it grew into a business with over €3 billion in annual revenue, employing over 8,000 staff in twelve countries. In 2011, Mr Browne was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Science from UCD, where he had previously studied, in recognition of his vision, leadership, innovation and outstanding contribution to agricultural developments. Mr Browne was Chair of the Board at Teagasc from 1993 to1998 and Chair of the board of An Bord Bia from 2008 to 2011. He was Chair of Waterford Airport since 2010. Mr Browne is survived by his wife Kay, children Paddy, Aoidin, Colm, Niall and ten grandchildren. Niall has served as Chief Executive of Dawn Meats since 2007.