Clonmel Credit Union's new entrants to farming award winner announced

Clonmel Credit Union, in association with the South Tipperary and West Waterford Irish Farmers Association (IFA), announced the winners of the inaugural New Entrant to Farming Award at an event at the Hotel Minella.

The event recognised two new entrants to farming. The overall winner, Michael Tobin, a dairy farmer from Cashel, was awarded a €5,000 prize, and the runner-up, Tom Morrissey, a sheep farmer from Lisnatubrid, received €2,000. Both prizes were sponsored by Clonmel Credit Union.

The competition launched in July to strengthen a vital sector in the region, spanning livestock, tillage, breeding, horticulture, and agri-tourism. Organisers said the applicants demonstrated a clear vision for their agri-business, strong financial management, sustainable methods, and a healthy work-life balance.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Pat Carroll, South Tipperary IFA Farm Business Chairman, said, “The volume of applications and quality was outstanding.  What impressed me most was their passion, drive and desire to succeed in their farming career. Recognising new entrants to farming is vital because they are an important part of the social fabric of every rural parish in Ireland. To maintain schools, churches, sports clubs and many other amenities in rural Ireland, without these people there are no communities.”

Clonmel Credit Union has supported a large Agri business membership in South Tipperary and West Waterford for over 60 years. “We know how integral farming is in South Tipperary and West Waterford.  Farming employs over 15,000 people either directly or indirectly in the area and we want to be able to support the next generation of farmers too,” says Michael O’Grady, Head of Lending at Clonmel Credit Union, said, “. That’s why the New Entrant to Farming Award is so important to Clonmel Credit Union.

We know one of the biggest challenges for people seeking finance, whether you're a new entrant or an existing farmer, is delays in processing applications. We have three core philosophies: speed, simplicity and convenience. We have an experienced team in place that won’t pass you off elsewhere for a decision. We'll make the decision locally, based on the person in front of us, not just numbers and data on an application. Any investment in a local agri-business is a direct support to the local community.”

The overall winner, Michael Tobin from Cashel, comes from a multi-generational farming family. He is in a partnership with his parents (Julie and Michael Snr). Together, they run a grass-based dairy enterprise across 100ha, milking 180 cows plus replacements, with some beef finished as well.

Tobin took on a more substantial role in the farm's day-to-day running in recent years. “I'm passionate about dairy because that is what my family has built over three generations, and I want to keep growing it for whoever comes after me. Farming is a very rewarding career; it's hard work, but you get a lot back out of it.

It’s a great honour to be here tonight as a winner, and be supported by Clonmel Credit Union as a farmer, and it’s great to be recognised for doing a good job in farming and in the sector.”

Runner-up Tom Morrissey is a 24-year-old sheep farmer from Clonmel in Co. Tipperary, lambing around 150 ewes, a mix of mountain breeds and lowland sheep, supplemented with 750 store lambs. Morrissey already runs a successful agricultural contracting business in the area and said the prize fund would be reinvested into the farming business.

Both finalists identified access to flexible finance partners as vital for the success of the Agri sector. For more information about support available for local Agri businesses, see clonmelcu.ie