THE STORY
OF
ARRABAWN CO-OP
In May 1968, there was a breakthrough in resolving the differences with Avonmore over the shareholding. A letter from Avonmore informed the committee that the Board were prepared to release Nenagh from their obligations on shareholding in the society by transferring their shares to another suitable society or societies and that such society would refund the cost of the shareholding to Nenagh. This offer was accepted. The following month 7,000 shares were transferred to Centenary Co-op, Ballyduff, Thurles and 3,000 shares were transferred to Barrowvale Co-op, Goresbridge, Co. Kilkenny finally ending the link between Nenagh and Avonmore for any direct involvement in the processing plans being developed in the east.
society at 3d/gallon and discussed the possibility of erecting a milk condensing plant at Nenagh. It was explained to them that the farmers used the milk for feeding to calves and pigs on the farms. At the beginning of 1970, the committee received a deputation from Upperchurch Co-Op. The deputation comprised of Messrs Hanly, Joyce, (Manager), Ryan, Treacy, Moloney, Ryan and McGrath. They informed the committee that interest had been expressed by the Upperchurch Committee to amalgamate with Nenagh. Upperchurch Co-op comprised of a central creamery at Upperchurch and branches at Rieska and Croughmorka. There was a peak daily milk intake at Upperchurch and Rieska of 2,900 gallons each and 1,400 gallons at Croughmorka. They sought assurances on terms for shareholding and the future of the creameries.
Although the average milk supply remained small, there was rapid expansion in the number of suppliers to Killimor Creamery. By 1968 it had increased to 900 and the indications were that it would exceed 1,000 in 1969 to have the largest number of suppliers to a branch, although not matching average milk volume supply at the other centres.
After terms similar to those which had been provided for Killeen were agreed, with the exception that Upperchurch received two seats on the committee - special meetings of shareholders of Upperchurch and Nenagh were arranged for April 16, 1970 to vote on the merger.
The society was represented at a meeting of the Irish Cheese Manufacturers in Dublin in 1969 at which intention to build a lactose factory in the area of Limerick Junction was outlined. This would utilise whey from the creameries in the area. It was also considered likely by the meeting that casein factories would be started by individual societies and the lactose factory would also use whey from these.
The committee received a deputation from Pallas Creamery in the Spring of 1970. The deputation comprised of Messrs Ryan, Quinlan, Long and Butler. There was lack of clarity on the ownership of the creamery. The committee sought clarification before any further discussions took place. The solicitor for Pallas Creamery was to be contacted.
McCormack Products Ltd expressed interest in buying skim milk from the 162