Former chair of Tirlán John G Murphy has announced his intention to retire from the board of the co-operative and from the board of Glanbia, Tirlán has confirmed.

Murphy was defeated in his run for chair at last month’s board elections by Waterford man Ger O’Brien.

A process will now commence in line with Tirlán co-op rules and election procedures to appoint a board director to represent the north Wexford/east Wicklow seat that Murphy will vacate.

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Murphy has served on the co-op board since 2010 and as chair from October 2020 to May 2026. He has also served as a director on the Glanbia plc board since June 2010.

Glanbia

Following the recent share spin-out by Tirlán, which reduced its shareholding in Glanbia to 13.2%, it has also confirmed changes to its representation on the board of Glanbia plc.

"In line with the relationship agreement between the two organisations, it has been agreed that Tirlán’s representation on the Glanbia plc board will decrease from two directors to one with effect from 5 August 2026.

"John Murphy and Wiliam Carroll will retire from the Glanbia plc board with effect on 4 August 2026.

"It is proposed that Tirlán chairperson Gerard O’Brien will be appointed to the Glanbia plc board as a non-executive director effective 5 August 2026 as the nominee of Tirlán.

"Ger previously served on the board between 1 June 2024 and 11 June 2025," Tirlán said.

Following this change, the Glanbia plc board will be comprised of 10 directors: two executive directors, the group chair and seven non-executive directors of whom one is nominated by Tirlán.

Leadership

Tirlán chair Ger O’Brien said: “On behalf of Tirlán Co-op, I would like to thank the outgoing board member John G Murphy for his leadership and dedication to his role especially as chairperson for the five and a half years.

“He presided over a period of transformational change for the organisation, culminating in farmers returning to full ownership of the Irish business and very significant value distribution to our co-op’s members. He can be extremely proud of his contribution as a board member and as a chairperson of the Tirlán board.”