Nestled in the rolling hills of Shercock, Carrickmacross, lies a farm that would gladden the heart of any urban visitor keen to know where Irish milk comes from.
The McElroy family of Corgreagh, Co Monaghan, embody the very best of Irish dairying, deep family roots and a calm, welcoming presence that impressed the judges from the moment they arrived.
This is a true family farm, run by Ciaran alongside his father Oliver, with the invaluable support of Ciaran’s wife Siobhán and their two young children.
Ciaran is the fourth generation to milk cows here. Oliver took over from his father when he was 24 and started with a bucket plant before progressing to a six-a side herringbone.
Ciaran, grew up immersed in farming and after school completing his Green Cert at Ballyhaise Agricultural College with his placement on the farm of Dinny and Niamh Feeney in Dunderry, Co Meath. His focus is one of progressive grassland management and stockmanship.
For 18 years, Ciaran worked as a HGV mechanic with McDonnell Commercials in Dunraymond, just 20 minutes away, while always helping out Oliver at home. Farming, however, remained his true passion and in 2021 he returned full-time to the land, officially taking over the herd from Oliver, who continues to be a hands-on mentor and partner.
Today Ciaran manages the day-to-day milking, calving, breeding, herd health and grass, while Oliver focuses on calf rearing, youngstock and machinery.
The herd has grown steadily to 99 cows, producing almost 45,000kg of milk solids in 2024, with an average of 443kg per cow. In 2023, the family invested in a new 16-unit DeLaval parlour, a game-changer that has saved two and a half hours per day in milking time, greatly improving efficiency and lifestyle. With a start time of 6.45am and finishing by early evening, the McElroys strike a good work-life balance. This June, Ciaran and Siobhan enjoyed a week in France with the kids and the farm worked like clockwork in their absence, proof that with good planning and trusted back-up, a healthy balance is possible.
That support team includes relief milkers Ben McCaul, who steps in two to three times a month and provides holiday cover, and Ciaran’s brother Philip, who lends a hand with milking, machinery and drawing bales.
Team effort
“It takes a team effort,” says Ciaran, and Siobhán plays her part too, balancing family and farm, while ensuring the household runs smoothly alongside the business.
Animal welfare is at the core of everything they do. Male calves remain until they are 42 days old and then go to the mart. Calves receive whole milk for two weeks and then milk replacer. The herd is vaccinated for IBR, Lepto and RSV. Tail clipping and regular hoof care keep cows comfortable. Bulk milk screening for herd health and and regular milk recording are key management tools.
Ciaran’s motto is simple: “If you mind the animals, they’ll mind you.” The herd’s calm temperament reflects that ethos.
Environmental care is equally impressive. Every field has a stream, all fenced 1.5m from the bank to protect waterways. Slurry is spread using LESS technology, clover is sown in grazing swards, and 100 tonnes of lime were spread last year to improve soils.
Rainwater harvesting supplies the parlour washdown, hedgerows are managed on a three-year cycle, and two marsh areas along with an old fairy fort have been set aside for nature. Birds of prey, swallows, foxes and hares all find a home here. The farm’s carbon footprint sits at just 0.95, well below the national average.
Herdwatch helps Ciaran manage records, and with his Teagasc adviser, he selects bulls to steadily lift herd EBI (replacements now at 285). Most cows are bred to beef sires, while Friesan straws are used strategically to generate heifers from the best cows.
Community spirit is another hallmark of this family. Oliver is active in local politics, while Ciaran is a member of the Monaghan/Cavan “Young Offenders” discussion group (he never revealed how they got the name), a GAA enthusiast who attends training with his six-year-old son Conor.
Ciaran is a motor sport fan, who was an active participant and must be planning a come back as he has kept his vehicle greased up. The family support the Latton O’Rahilly’s GAA club and the Cavan Motor Club.
With their calm approach, strong family ethos, respect for animals and nature, and their openness to new ideas, the McElroys of Corgreagh are outstanding ambassadors for Lakeland Dairies and for Irish dairy farming.
