Celebrating the Callan Co-Op heritage

IN 1899, a group of farmers came together to form the Callan Co-operative Agricultural & Dairy Society. From small beginnings the

Co-Op has evolved over time to become a thriving business, which makes a huge contribution to the local area. e Co-Op now directly employs over 40 people with activities including milk assembly, supplying agricultural inputs to dairy, beef and sheep farmers, building materials and hard- ware. It also operates a Londis convenience store and Top Oil Forecourt, all located on West Street, Callan.

Now, over 120 years later, driven by its member ownership, Callan Co-Op continues to thrive and serve the needs of its community.

General Manager James Fitzgerald said, “ e Co-Op was founded in 1899 to foster the co-operative ethos of member bene t, member participation and member loyalty. is ethos is central to how Callan Co-Op has evolved over the last 120 years.

“ e torch of loyalty and participation has passed through the generations and has enabled Callan Co-Op to retain its independence despite serious challenges.

“As the Co-Op has evolved, so has our o ering. We now cater for a range of home, DIY, building and gardening products in addition to agricultural inputs and consumables. Without our loyal farming customers, we wouldn’t have achieved what you see here now, so we are always keen to acknowledge how valuable their support is.”

Callan Co-Op prides itself on its knowledge of the local area; its customers; the products which are o ered; and the challenges facing the farming community.

Jim McHugh, Agri Business Manager was keen to stress the importance of Callan CoOp’s commitment to the agri sector, "As an Agri Business Manager, I've seen rst-hand the importance of strong partnerships between farmers and co-ops. Callan Co-Op is a prime example of a Co-Op that truly understands the needs of its members and works tirelessly to support them.

“From providing top-quality agri inputs to o ering expert advice, Callan Co-Op is a vital resource for farmers in the area. I'm proud to work with such progressive farmers and look forward to helping them to continued success in the years ahead."

Callan Co-Op has a proud reputation of providing a large range of Agri products. e store provides a full range of animal feeds for cows, beef, sheep, and poultry supplied with a bulk feed delivery service; a full range of equine products including feed from Red Mills, veterinary supplies, dairy detergents, fencing supplies, gates and agri consumables.

CALLAN Co-Op has always been known for its great value, with customers traveling from all over Kilkenny for the keen prices and the unbeatable customer service.

Siobhan Mason joined Callan Co-Op as the Retail Operations Manager 10 months ago, in the middle of the big redevelopment.

Siobhan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role. “Customers are loving the opportunity to browse around now, and we are delighted to see the big mix of customers come in from all around Kilkenny, Tipperary and beyond. We are here to serve all the community of Callan and hinterlands.

“We previously had a very compact shop floor, which has practically doubled in