Tirlán get behind Kilkenny as Cats prepare for 2025 championship

The strong sporting links between Tirlán and Kilkenny GAA will continue for a 31st season.

The Irish dairy co-operative have just announced their sponsorship of Kilkenny GAA for the 2025 campaign. The Avonmore name has been synonymous with Kilkenny jerseys since 1994, with the brand’s owner Tirlán Co-operative added in 2024. At 31 years, this makes it one of the longest-running, most iconic and recognised GAA partnerships in the country.

Speaking at an event in Tirlán’s Collaboration Hub at Abbey Quarter, Kilkenny County Board chairman PJ Kenny said that he was delighted to see the long-standing relationship with Tirlán continue as senuir hurling manager Derek Lyng and his players pursue silverware at championship level.

PJ Kenny, Chairman Kilkenny County Board, Derek Lyng, Kilkenny Senior Hurling team manager, Paddy Deegan, Kilkenny hurler, Jim O’Neill, Tirlán Chief Operations & Consumer Officer, Richie Reid, Kilkenny hurler, Linda Sheehan, Head of Consumer Marketing Tirlán and John Murphy, Tirlán Chairperson during a promotional event at Tirlán Collaboration’s Centre in Abbey Quarter Kilkenny as Avonmore owner Tirlán launched their Kilkenny GAA sponsorship for the 2025 season. Avonmore, Ireland's number one dairy brand, has featured proudly on Kilkenny jerseys since 1994 making it one of the longest running GAA partnerships in the country. PICTURE: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

"We are delighted to continue our partnership with Tirlán, an organisation that makes a huge contribution to the South-East of the country," he said.

Tirlán chairperson John Murphy wished Derek Lyng and his team the best for the season ahead.

"We’re proud to continue our partnership with the Kilkenny GAA teams," he said. "It’s a great association for Tirlàn as a 100% farmer-owned Co-op and Avonmore as Ireland’s leading dairy brand. The association between the Avonmore brand and Kilkenny GAA is deep and enduring. Deep roots in the community and a commitment to excellence are shared by both organisations."

Kilkenny open the defence of their Leinster title with a home fixture against Galway on April 19.

Tirlán is Ireland’s largest milk and grain processor, with 2,200 employees, a network of 11 production facilities and 52 retail branches. Tirlán’s award-winning brands are household names in Ireland, and include Ireland’s number one consumer dairy brand, Avonmore.