Denis and Brian O’Connell, of Lisanaska, Cullen, Mallow, Co. Cork, run a 48-cow herd in a father-and-son partnership that showcases a blend of tradition and modern innovation. Brian, who returned from Australia in 2016 armed with valuable knowledge, has brought fresh energy to the farm while working as a Maintenance Fitter for a multi-national business. He credits this experience and his time spent working in Australia for his ability to implement new practices and fresh thinking on farm.
Marian, Brian’s mother, manages the administrative tasks on the farm and keeps the team motivated. The O’Connells have made a strong commitment to sustainability, incorporating clover into their grazing system to reduce nitrogen usage. The focus on improving their herd’s Economic Breeding Index (EBI) is central to their future plans.
In 2020, Denis and Brian invested in upgrading their farm infrastructure, constructing new buildings, and improving roadways to optimise operations. They milk record five times per year and use Nedap collars to monitor cow activity and heat detection in real time, which has proven beneficial for herd management, keeping cows healthy and productive.
What is particularly remarkable is the herd’s health—there were no cases of mastitis last year, Despite the low incidence of mastitis, they have a cautious approach to moving away from dry cow antibiotic therapy. They trialled a sealant-only approach last year with five of their lowest somatic cell count cows, based on their milk recording results. However, they are considering expanding this practice in the future.
The O’Connells are acutely aware of their environmental responsibilities. Their carbon footprint stands at 1.18 and they actively promote biodiversity through several initiatives. They use low emission slurry spreading protected urea and slurry inoculants. The farm is rich in natural hedgerows, and the family has protected the banks of the River Blackwater, which runs through their land. They even own a one-acre island on the river, that they have set aside as a wildlife sanctuary.
Farming is a way of life for the O’Connells but they know that time away from the farm is important to ensure continued operational success. Both are passionate about the importance of farming as a socially sustainable career option for young people and Brian credits his father for empowering him to be able to pursue other career interests alongside farming.
Brian also stays involved in the local community, playing for his GAA club, Cullen, with Denis as his biggest supporter and club treasurer. Outside of the farm’s busiest periods—calving and silage—Brian and his partner, Joanne, who also hails from a dairy farm, enjoy travelling. They are never afraid to take a break from the farm, maintaining a healthy balance between work and leisure. The O’Connell farmhouse remains a hub for their extended family, recently celebrating the return of one of Brian’s sisters and her husband from Dubai, adding another layer of joy to the family’s rich history.
With a simple but effective eight-unit parlour, a focus on herd improvement, and a clear commitment to sustainability, the O’Connells’ farm is a shining example of the future of dairy farming in Ireland—balancing innovation with tradition, and family with farm life.
Key stats:
Cow numbers: 48
Herd EBI: 203
Milk Supply (ltrs): 285,223
Concentrates kg / cow: 1200
Milk solids kg / cow: 503
Fat % (weighted): 4.54
Protein % (weighted): 3.65
Milking units: 8
TBC (‘000 weighted): 8
SCC (‘000 weighted): 90
Proportion of herd using teat sealer: 17%
Grass measures per year: 35
Carbon footprint: 1.18
