Kildare agri expert wins the Plunkett Award
Dr. Sean Brady (pictured) 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 Photo: Fennell Photography
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 lives with his family in Sallins, Co. Kildare, is respected figure in Ireland's agri-food industry, recognised for decades of leadership across numerous agricultural enterprises, strategic business initiatives and national policy programmes supporting the growth and success of Irish agriculture.
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 is currently chair of the Department of Agriculture’s Bovine TB Strategy Implementation Group, 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.
He received the award at a special presentation ceremony held in The Plunkett House in Dublin, together with his wife Kay and family.
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”.
Plunkett award winner, 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.
