Latest news with #Avonmore
The Journal
3 days ago
- Business
- The Journal
Does a litre of milk cost more than a litre of petrol, as Mary Lou McDonald claimed?
THIS WEEK, SINN Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald told the Dáil that a litre of milk now costs more than a litre of petrol, which she presented as an example of the ongoing cost of living crisis. McDonald made her comment amid calls for the government to alleviate financial pressure on households with one-off measures in the next Budget – which Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe has categorically ruled out . Addressing Taoiseach Micheál Martin during Leader's Questions on Wednesday, McDonald said: 'The Taoiseach described prices as being at a relatively elevated level. 'Those are his words. That was one for the books. Let me break it to him: prices are not relatively elevated, they are through the roof. 'The price of a litre of milk is now higher than a litre of petrol.' The night before McDonald spoke in the Dáil, the editor of the Irish Independent Fionnan Sheahan made the same comparison while referencing the price of Avonmore milk in an unspecified shop. '€1.79 for a litre of Avonmore milk – that's more expensive than petrol,' Sheahan said on Virgin Media's Tonight Show. The Journal contacted Sinn Féin and the office of Mary Lou McDonald, asking for the evidence on which she based her claim, but received no reply by the time of publication. After this article was published, a party spokesperson emailed The Journal two images: one showing a litre of Avonmore Supermilk priced at €1.75 on Tesco's online store; and another of Texaco garage in Cork city showing a litre of unleaded petrol priced at almost €1.70 and diesel at almost €1.65. Milk and petrol prices So is it true? First up, The Journal checked milk prices in a wide range of shops and supermarkets. In each case, we looked at the cost of a litre of whole milk from the different brands stocked by the shop. The survey did not include other kinds of milk, like low fat or skimmed. It should be noted that prices and brands, especially in small shops, may vary in different parts of the country. For the cost of petrol, we relied on data compiled by the AA, which publishes the average petrol prices in Ireland every month. According to the AA, the average price of petrol in June was €1.77 per litre , up from €1.76 in May. The AA does not break down the average price by location, but shows that the price of fuel varies between different companies and regions. A breakdown of milk prices shows that service stations and small shops charge much more than supermarkets. Most of the shops surveyed are located in Dublin, where McDonald lives. Here's how much a litre of milk costs in each shop , broken down by brand: Supermarkets: Lidl Coolree: €1.50 Aldi Clonbawn: €1.25 Supervalu Premier Dairies: €1.59 Avonmore: €1.59 Own brand: €1.25 Advertisement Tesco Premier Dairies: €1.59 Avonmore: €1.59 Own brand: €1.25 Litres of Premier Dairies, Avonmore and Tesco milk The Journal The Journal Dunnes Stores Premier Dairies: €1.59 Avonmore: €1.59 Donnybrook Fair Premier Dairies: €1.75 Avonmore: €1.79 Litres of Premier Dairies and Avonmore milk in Donnybrook Fair The Journal The Journal Smaller shops: Circle K Own brand: €1.70 Mace: Donegal Dairies €1.80 Spar Avonmore: €1.99 Daybreak Premier Dairies: €2.20 Avonmore: €2.20 Londis Premier Dairies: €2.25 Avonmore: €2.25 Conclusion Mary Lou McDonald was right about the price of milk increasing but whether or not it's more expensive than petrol depends on where you but it. The average price of a litre of milk sold in the supermarkets surveyed is €1.50, which is lower than the average price of petrol (€1.77). The average price in the smaller shops surveyed is €2.00, which is much higher than the average price of petrol. So whether it's more expensive than petrol or not, the price of milk is increasing a lot right now. According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO), which gives figures for the average cost of two litres of milk , the price has risen by 12% in the last 12 months – that's an increase of 27 cent. Correction: The original version of this article listed the price of Coolree milk in Lidl as €0.75. Lidl's price tag refers to the cost of Coolree milk per 500ml, so the correct price of a litre is €1.50. The Journal's FactCheck is a signatory to the International Fact-Checking Network's Code of Principles. You can read it here . For information on how FactCheck works, what the verdicts mean, and how you can take part, check out our Reader's Guide here . You can read about the team of editors and reporters who work on the factchecks here . Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... It is vital that we surface facts from noise. Articles like this one brings you clarity, transparency and balance so you can make well-informed decisions. We set up FactCheck in 2016 to proactively expose false or misleading information, but to continue to deliver on this mission we need your support. Over 5,000 readers like you support us. If you can, please consider setting up a monthly payment or making a once-off donation to keep news free to everyone. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Times
21-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Irish Times
Immaculate six-bed with space for a family to grow in Foxrock for €1.9m
Address : Kincora, Avonmore, Foxrock, Dublin 18 Price : €1,900,000 Agent : Savills View this property on Kincora, tucked into the quiet, tree-lined cul-de-sac of Avonmore in Foxrock , is the kind of house that reveals its scale slowly. From the outside, it presents a neat, symmetrical front with traditional red brick, but inside it feels more like a brand-new home. And a sizeable one at that. It dates from 2004 and was purchased in 2006 by its current owners, who have raised their four sons within its substantial 423sq m (4,553sq ft). Now with an empty nest, they are downsizing locally. There's an abundance of space within this six-bedroom home, but it never feels overly large thanks to its practical and well-designed layout. Hall Kitchen Kitchen, living and dining area is the hub of this six-bedroom home Family room The main reception room, complete with a bay window and marble fireplace, lies to the rear, benefiting from its southwesterly aspect. It's a more formal space in contrast with the heart of the home: a generous open-plan kitchen, dining and living area that lies adjacent. READ MORE 'It gets light from morning to evening and has really been the focal point of the house,' says the owner, of the pristine solid-wood kitchen by Neptune, which has recently been resprayed and houses a four-oven Aga and high-end appliances. There's also a utility and bootroom here. From the kitchen and dining area, two sets of French doors open out on to a granite-paved patio, with a lawn framed by tall, mature hedging allowing much privacy. It's quiet and peaceful, with ample room for kids to kick a ball around, while adults can observe from a sunken patio. Its southwesterly aspect ensures sunshine all day. Main bedroom The house has five bathrooms The house has a large space on the top floor with a multitude of uses Snooker room Rear elevation Rear garden Additional rooms include a family room, a dedicated study and a snooker room. Upstairs, six bedrooms are spread across the first and second floors. The main bedroom has a fine en suite and walk-in wardrobe, with three further bedrooms on the first floor and two on the second. These upper levels are where the scale of the house is really felt; the top floor could easily lend itself to a home office, guest suite or teen retreat. It is currently laid out as a gym, and was used as a home office during Covid. What's appealing about this family home is not just its proportions but its condition, as it's been very well maintained. Its B2 energy rating is thanks to recent upgrades, including triple-glazed windows, an efficient heating system, LED lighting and zoned underfloor heating. Its location is another strong selling point. Avonmore is one of those small, settled enclaves in Foxrock that doesn't get much turnover or traffic, and the property has a pedestrian gate in to the development, while out front there is easy access to the M11 and M50. It is also within easy reach of several schools, golf clubs and village shops. Kincora will appeal to buyers looking for a sizeable long-term family home in one of Dublin's most established suburbs. It is available through Savills, seeking €1.9 million.
Irish Times
12-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Tírlan urged to seek expert advice on Glanbia holding
The board of dairy co-op Tírlan has been urged to seek expert advice on how it should dispose of its stake in Glanbia plc. The group, which owns the Avonmore and Kilmeaden brands, has lost up to €500 million on the value of its holding amid a slump in Glanbia's share price. It is currently in the process of spinning out 15 million Glanbia shares to members but at a greatly reduced value, an issue that has created tensions within the group. At a heated AGM this month, Tírlan shareholders repeatedly asked the board if it had sought outside advice on how best to divest of its holding in the Kilkenny-based nutritionals group, and what – as Glanbia's largest shareholder – it planned to do about the PLC's recent underperformance. READ MORE Glanbia shares have slumped in recent months on the back of a profit warning and questions about the strategic direction of the company. Activist investor Clearway Capital, which has a 1 per cent stake in Glanbia, has called for a strategic review of the company, with the goal of splitting it up, and has attempted to enlist support from Tírlan. 'The time has come to conduct a formal, board-led strategic review focused specifically on separating the businesses from one another,' Clearway's founder and chief executive Gianluca Ferrari said in a recent letter to Tírlan. A separation could be achieved through various means, including sales of its US dairy and global ingredients assets, or a spin-off its biggest division, Glanbia Performance Nutrition (GPN), which sells protein powders and shakes to gym-goers and dieters, to existing shareholders and a listing on a US exchange, he said. At Glanbia's AGM last month, Mr Ferrari said the 'sprawling corporate structure' was undervaluing the business and amplifying shocks. At the Tírlan AGM, one shareholder asked why it took an investor with barely 1 per cent of shares to raise questions about Glanbia's operation. In response to queries from The Irish Times, Tírlan, formerly Glanbia Ireland, declined to comment. Glanbia has linked its poor share performance and recent profit warning to a sudden and unexpected jump in the price of whey protein, its main input. The company has also signalled it planned to offload its ailing SlimFast brand, acquired in 2018 for $350 million, following a fall-off in sales. Chief executive Hugh McGuire insisted last month that 2024 was a strong year for the group but it had been hit by two notable headwinds: the high-than-expected price of whey protein and, more recently, US tariffs which he described as a 'massive distraction for the business'.
Irish Independent
03-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Waterford farming family celebrate Tirlán award of Milk Supplier of the Year
Tirlán, a farmer-owned dairy and grain co-operative, celebrated excellence, innovation, and commitment among its family farm milk suppliers at its Dairy and Sustainability Awards. John and Mary Byrne from Coolnasmear, Dungarvan, County Waterford were presented with the Milk Supplier of the Year award. John is the fifth generation of his family to farm there and says the family farm is very special to him. 'We put huge emphasis on animal health, whether it be the calves or the cows. We try to keep their nutrition right at all times,' said John. 'Grass is number one and we try to get as much quality grass into them as we can. If we don't look after this country and this earth, nobody else is going to. We have to keep things right on farm. The vast majority of farmers are doing that and doing it very well.' A total of sixteen awards were presented across a variety of categories at the awards, from exceptional milk quality and milk solids to environmental stewardship and innovation. The highlight of the event was the announcement of the Byrne family from near Dungarvan in Waterford as Tirlán Milk Supplier of the Year. John Murphy, chairperson of Tirlán, congratulated all recipients, saying: 'These awards are a celebration of the passion, care and innovation that our family farm suppliers bring to their work every day. 'It all starts on the family farm and it's about so much more than milk. It's about the family farm business. It's about values, progress and pride in doing the right thing. 'The quality of Irish milk and of our Irish family farm model based on grass-fed is our unique selling point around the globe. It's something we're very proud of and it is winning us new markets and new customers every day.' Seán Molloy, CEO of Tirlán, added: 'We are incredibly proud of our suppliers and their commitment to quality and sustainability. They are the reason our products are trusted across Ireland and around the world. 'Working with our suppliers, we continue focus on innovation, enhancing biodiversity, protecting our waterways, embracing new technology and new ways of working to reduce carbon. Our strong focus on farming with nature and animal welfare ensures we are building a better, more resilient future for Irish dairy.' Tirlán family farm suppliers have a long heritage of delivering quality milk from well-managed, grass-fed herds for consumers to enjoy through many award-winning products, including the number one dairy brand, Avonmore. Suppliers have also been adopters of new technologies and continue to further enhance sustainability on their farms through a focus on reducing on-farm emissions and allowing space for nature. Over 99pc of Tirlán milk suppliers are signed up to the cooperative's Sustainability Action Payments initiative.
Irish Independent
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
See photos as ‘Shrek the Musical' is brought to life by Wicklow musical society
After months of planning, fundraising and rehearsals, the society reaped the rewards of all their efforts in their 43rd annual production and their first sell-out since the 2012 production of The Wizard of Oz. Amy Penston was making her directorial debut for the society, having appeared on stage numerous times over the years, while musical director Conor McCarthy was musically directing for the first time for Avonmore and Martina Lynch, who has choreographed every show since the 2010 production of Seussical, returned as choreographer. The show had a massive cast of 70 who sang, dance and acted, including Andrew Docherty (Shrek), Orlagh Sunderland (Donkey), Ellie Willoughby (Princess Fiona), Sean Hendley (Lord Farquaad) and Christine Dunne Firmo (Dragon), with so many others performing as part of the talented ensemble. The society has a good mix of ages from young to not so young, with the most senior player this year being James Kearon (Pied Piper), who is a legend in Avonmore. Lauren Gammell played the part of teen Fiona, with the part of young Fiona being played by April Prestage and Amber Simmons. The production team that brought the magic of Shrek had lots of help from Natasha Byrne on costumes, Sharon Kavanagh (hair and makeup), Mick Russell (set), Karen Kavanagh (props), Cathal O'Donohoe (lighting), Jason Fallon (sound) and their teams. 'I'm very proud of what the society has achieved in taking the much-loved story from the page to the stage,' Avonmore chairperson Patrick Bracken said. 'I'd like to acknowledge the massive financial support of local businesses, but especially Ryan Neary of R Neary Motors, who were the Avonmore main sponsors for the second year. I would like to say a massive thanks to Aidan Ward and all at St Mary's for their constant support by allowing the use of the school for all of Avonmore's shows. 'An enormous thanks to our hard-working committee led by secretary Nicole Forde, treasurer Tomas Byrne, PROs Rob Donnelly and Christine Nolan and committee members Aoife Coade, Dearbhla O'Connor, Colm Moules, Michael Russell and Stacey Myler. 'Finally, the society are so grateful to the thousands of audience members who return year after year and inspire the society to keep going and growing. Avonmore will be back in action soon planning for next Easter but for now it's time for a rest,' he said.
