Dara Killeen and his wife Beatrix farm in Bawnmore, Co. Galway on the banks of the River Shannon with their two children, Isabella and Oliver. Dara took over the family farm from his father Charlie at the age of 27. Dara gained new insights into farming when he spent time in New Zealand milking cows and driving machinery. When he came home he completed the Green Cert at Gurteen College.
A fourth-generation farmer on the Bawnmore land, Dara is the youngest of seven children. He is supported in his efforts by his father Charlie, who handles tractor work and herding, and his mother Mary, who assists with calf rearing. Beatrix contributes to the business planning, while his daughter Isabella helps manage calves and grass measurement, making this very much a family-run enterprise. Even young Oliver, their baby, plays his part by keeping Dara company on the farm.
Dara is extremely involved with the farming community and has hosted many discussion groups, spoken with schools and agricultural colleges around the county, held farm walks as part of the Aurivo Farm Profitability Programme, participated in FarmerTime, and featured on the Teagasc Dairy Conference. He is also a member of the West Awake Discussion Group and is a previous winner of FBD Young Farmer of the Year. Dara hopes to inspire the next generation to continue farming in Bawnmore.
