An exceptional, lifelong contribution to the Irish co-operative and agrifood sector by Dr. Seán Brady
has been recognised with the co-operative industry’s highest national honour – The Plunkett Award for
Co-operative Endeavour, named after Sir Horace Plunkett, founder of the Irish Co-operative
Organisation Society.
Dr. Brady, who was reared on a family farm in Arva, Co. Cavan, is a distinguished and respected
figure in Ireland’s agri-food industry. He is recognised for his extensive leadership for decades across
numerous agricultural enterprises, strategic business initiatives and national policy programmes
supporting the growth, success and economic contribution of Irish agriculture.
He received the award at a special presentation ceremony held in The Plunkett House in Dublin in
December, together with his wife Kay and family which was also attended by a large number of ex
colleagues and friends.
Among his most notable achievements, Dr. Brady chaired the expert committee responsible for
developing “Food Harvest 2020,” the 10-year strategic vision for the growth of Ireland’s agri-food and
fisheries sectors. He subsequently chaired the Dairy Expansion Activation Group to deliver on the
ambitions of Food Harvest 2020.
Dr. Brady earned a Ph.D. in Food Science from University College Cork and a Diploma in Applied
Finance from the Irish Management Institute. He also completed the Timoney Institute Advanced
Leadership Programme. He began his career at Killeshandra Co-op and was instrumental in the 1990
merger process with Lough Egish to form Lakeland Dairies, where he then served as General
Manager, Dairy Division.
He went on to hold several key industry executive roles including Managing Director of Greencore
Malt for eight years, and Irish Sugar for five years, within Greencore Group plc. He also served as
CEO during key transformative periods for the Irish Dairy Board (now Ornua), Aurivo Co-op,
LacPatrick Dairies and Greyhound Racing Ireland, providing key strategic direction in each role.
Dr. Brady is currently chair of the Department of Agriculture’s Bovine TB Strategy Implementation
Group. He is a non-executive Board director of Ornua since 2020 (nominated by Lakeland Dairies),
Chair of the Dairy Processing Technology Centre, a Council member of the Irish Management
Institute and Chair of the Audit Committee of Kilkenny County Council. And earlier this month, he was
appointed as interim CEO of Animal Health Ireland.
For over a decade to 2023 he served as Chair of the Golden Jubilee Trust, the charitable trust which
funds co-operative initiatives, research and innovation for the benefit of rural communities, society
and the economy.
Dr. Brady’s initial nomination for the Plunkett Award came from the Board of the Trust.
He is currently Chair of the Board of Management of Dominican College Newbridge and has also
previously served as a Director of Animal Health Ireland, the Irish National Stud and Life Credit Union.
Edward Carr, President of the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) said:

“Seán embodies the essence of visionary leadership in Ireland’s agri-food sector. His exceptional
ability to combine innovation with the values of co-operative enterprise has helped to drive success
for multiple organisations and has also left an indelible mark on our global reputation for food
excellence.
“As a dynamic leader with a deep well of expertise, Seán is both a forward-thinker and a steadfast
advocate for collaboration, ensuring that the initiatives he steers leave a legacy of resilience and
growth. He matches these qualities with a deeply engaging personality, enthusiasm for other people’s
success, and an ability to bring people with him, even in difficult times. Whether championing
sustainability through Food Harvest 2020 or guiding leading organisations in our agri-food sector, his
energy, insight and tireless commitment make him a truly iconic figure in our industry.
“We are therefore deeply pleased to celebrate Dr. Seán Brady’s transformative lifelong achievements
and contribution, and we wish him and his wife Kay continuing success and happiness in the future.”
Plunkett award recipient, Dr. Seán Brady said:
“I am deeply honoured to receive the Plunkett Award. The co-operative agri-food industry in Ireland
holds a unique and vital place in our nation’s heart and economy. It is a sector defined by its
resilience, innovation, and commitment to quality – values that reflect the very character of our people.
I have been privileged to witness and contribute to its growth and transformation over the decades,
and I am immensely proud of what we have all achieved together. I am deeply grateful to the many
individuals and organisations I have had the privilege to work alongside.  I accept this award not just
as recognition of past achievements but as a call to action and a reminder that there is still work to do.
Together, we must continue to innovate, collaborate, and advocate for a sustainable, prosperous
future for our agri-food industry.”