Brian O’Connell and his father Denis farm in partnership on their fifth-generation dairy farm along the banks of the Blackwater River in Cullen, Co Cork. The pair are supported by Brian’s mother and Denis’ wife, Marian, as well as Brian’s partner, Joanne. Brian completed his Green Cert in 2023 at Clonakilty Agricultural College. Brian works part-time as a fitter for a multi-national business and credits this and his time spent working in Australia for his ability to implement new practices and fresh thinking on farm.
Brian and Denis continuously strive to make the farm more efficient and sustainable to ensure they can continue to produce the highest quality milk. The O’Connells are passionate about farming sustainably and making a positive impact on the environment.
Farming is a way of life for the O’Connell’s but they know that time away from the farm is important to ensure continued operational success. Both are also 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.
