Reddy Brennan: 1924-2009

Glanbia pays tribute to former Group Managing Director of Avonmore Creameries

Date:

Monday, June 15, 2009

REDDY Brennan devoted his working life to the development of the Irish dairy industry and specifically to Avonmore Creameries.

Since his retirement in 1984 and even up to recent weeks, Reddy continued this involvement through his support for, and friendship with directors, management and staff at Glanbia, where his encouragement, wisdom and unassuming presence will be sadly missed.

Reddy was an iconic figure in the industry - a man of great vision who nurtured the Avonmore partnership with Unigate which led to the development of Ballyragget - the biggest milk processing plant in Europe.

He recognised the potential of the EEC for Irish dairy farmers and worked with ICOS to persuade 21 of the Independent Co-ops to amalgamate in 1973. This took unique skills, conviction and patience.

Reddy had a great sense of timing, together with gifted powers of persuasion. He used these very effectively to bring the co-op movement through the radical changes needed to meet the emerging needs of the industry.

"He also used these skills at national level where his judgements were greatly respected," said John Moloney, Group MD, Glanbia plc paying tribute to Reddy, today, Monday.

Joined Muckalee Co-op

A native of Kilkenny, Reddy Brennan joined Muckalee Co-operative as Manager in 1958. He will best be remembered for his period as Chief Executive of Avonmore Creamery - he was appointed in 1966 to head up what was then a loose federation of independent co-operative creameries.

In Avonmore Reddy played a leading role in bringing 36 independent co-ops from counties Tipperary, Kilkenny, Laois and Kildare, together with Unigate to build a milk processing plant in Ballyragget for butter and skim milk powder.

This was the first time they could sell skim for processing rather than taking it home for stock.

Prior to EEC entry he recognised the potential for dairy farmers and with Jim Joyce of ICOS persuaded 21 of the Independent Co-ops to amalgamate in 1973.

The newly amalgamated Society put in train advisory services, financial incentives for bulk tanks, milking machines and stock to increase milk output.

This increased milk production from 40 million gallons in 1965 to 140m gallons in 1984 when milk quotas were introduced. Factory capacity was diversified to include the manufacture of cheese, casein and whey products. When he retired in 1984 turnover had grown to £210m a year.

Farm services such as animal feed compounds, other farm inputs, ex farm bulk milk collection and financial packages were expanded. Cereal growing together with intake and drying facilities expanded to 170,000 tonnes per annum.

The Irish Consumer Markets developed from zero to 30% of the national market.

Farmers in the former Avonmore owe a great debt of gratitude to Reddy for creating the conditions to expand milk production by 350% at a most crucial period prior to Milk Quotas.

Reddy Brennan was a member of the Board of Avonmore Creameries, Avongate and Avonmore Farmers. He served with distinction on national bodies including Bord Bainne, National Dairy Council, ACOT, AFT, FBD, Campus Oil, Norish and Toyota Ireland.

He was also Chairman of the National Milk Quota Appeals Tribunal where he worked quietly on influencing farming issues at many levels.

Reddy Brennan Profile

1924

Born Hugginstown in South Kilkenny.

Primary Education, Moonrue National School.

1936 - 1942

Secondary Education, Callan C.B.S.

1942 - 1943

Clonakilty Agricultural College.

1943 - 1945

Dairy Science Course, University College Cork.

1945 - 1955