Dr. Seán Brady has been presented with ‘Plunkett Award’ by the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) for his exceptional, lifelong contribution to the Irish co-operative and agrifood sector.
Dr. Brady is recognised for his “extensive leadership” for decades across numerous agricultural enterprises, strategic business initiatives and national policy programmes supporting the growth, success and economic contribution of Irish agriculture.
He received the award at a special presentation ceremony by ICOS held in The Plunkett House in Co. Dublin, together with his wife Kay and family.
President of ICOS, Edward Carr said: “Whether championing sustainability through Food Harvest 2020 or guiding leading organisations in our agri-food sector, his energy, insight and tireless commitment makes him a truly iconic figure in our industry.”
Dr. Brady was reared on a family farm in Arva, Co. Cavan, and among one of his most notable achievements, he chaired the expert committee responsible for developing “Food Harvest 2020,” the 10-year strategic vision for the growth of Ireland’s agri-food and fisheries sectors.
He subsequently chaired the Dairy Expansion Activation Group to deliver on the ambitions of Food Harvest 2020.
Dr. Brady earned a Ph.D. in Food Science from University College Cork (UCC) and a Diploma in Applied Finance from the Irish Management Institute. He also completed the Timoney Institute Advanced Leadership Programme.
The Co. Cavan man began his career at Killeshandra Co-op, and was instrumental in the 1990 merger process with Lough Egish to form Lakeland Dairies, where he then served as general manager in the dairy division.
Dr. Brady went on to hold several key industry executive roles including managing director of Greencore Malt for eight years, and Irish Sugar for five years, within Greencore Group plc.
He also served as CEO during key transformative periods for the Irish Dairy Board (now Ornua), Aurivo Co-op , LacPatrick Dairies and Greyhound Racing Ireland, providing key strategic direction in each role.
Dr. Brady is currently chair of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) Bovine TB Strategy Implementation Group.
He is a non-executive board director of Ornua since 2020 (nominated by Lakeland Dairies), chair of the Dairy Processing Technology Centre, a council member of the Irish Management Institute and chair of the Audit Committee of Kilkenny County Council.
He also currently holds the position of chair of the Board of Management of Dominican College Newbridge, and has also previously served as a director of Animal Health Ireland, the Irish National Stud and Life Credit Union.
For over a decade to 2023, he served as chair of the Golden Jubilee Trust, the charitable trust which funds co-operative initiatives, research and innovation for the benefit of rural communities, society and the economy.
Dr. Brady’s initial nomination for the Plunkett Award came from the Board of the Trust.
On receiving the ICOS award, Dr. Brady said: “The co-operative agri-food industry in Ireland holds a unique and vital place in our nation’s heart and economy. It is a sector defined by its resilience, innovation, and commitment to quality – values that reflect the very character of our people.
“I have been privileged to witness and contribute to its growth and transformation over the decades, and I am immensely proud of what we have all achieved together. I am deeply grateful to the many individuals and organisations I have had the privilege to work alongside.
“I accept this award not just as recognition of past achievements but as a call to action and a reminder that there is still work to do.”