Irish Country Meats

This week we caught up with Kathryn Roche, Marketing Manager, Irish Country Meats. Can you tell us about your career to date? I joined Irish Country Meats in 2013 as a Marketing Assistant / PA to the then MD Joe Hyland. Working in this role was a fantastic opportunity as I saw all aspects of the business and was present at meetings where sales, production and future planning were discussed. As I progressed from assisting some clients to becoming their Account Manager, I continued to work in a marketing capacity, managing these accounts to coordinate trade shows and events as I grew more confident. My industry knowledge grew and I now represent the company by speaking to various stakeholders and sitting on boards. Why did you go into the agri-food sector? As I come from a farming background and grew up in close proximity to ICM in Camolin, I was always aware of the lamb industry. As my family are steeped in pedigree sheep production, it was a natural move for me to come and work in ICM; my background allows me to see the sector from both the farming community side and the processor, giving me a unique perspective. What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self? Take chances and believe in yourself; don’t let your inner voice and others’ voices drown out what you want to do. Tell us something that we might not expect? Growing up, when all my friends were rushing to Take That and Spice Girls concerts, I was in the queue for AC/DC and Guns n Roses after getting bitten by the rock bug after getting backstage passes to a Therapy concert in the Olympia Theatre. Most recently, I enjoyed Motley Crue in Marley Park. #TeamABP #OurPeople #LeadandLearn

We’re delighted to announce that John Walsh has been appointed the new Commercial Director of ABP Ireland and Poland. John previously served as Managing Director of Irish Country Meats, ABP’s lamb business which operates in Ireland and Belgium. Can you tell us about your career to date? I joined Irish Country Meats in January 2013 as General Manager of the Camolin site. In 2019, I progressed to MD of the ICM Group including Navan & Lonhienne in Belgium. Prior to working in the meat industry, I’ve held management positions in Ireland and the UK in various manufacturing businesses, including automotive & telecommunications. Why did you go into the agri-food sector? Being reared on a farm in south west Wexford, agri was always in my blood. I’m happy to now be living back on the family farm and working in the agri-food sector. The agri-food export sector backbones the Irish economy and it’s nice to play a part in that success. What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self? Follow a career that you’re interested in. It makes the work easier. Work hard, treat people with respect and identify a mentor who is willing to help you on your journey. Tell us something that we might not expect? I’m mad about hurling and am a proud member of the Horeswood GAA club in Wexford, my hometown club. I was delighted to be a part of the management team when we won the Leinster Junior Club Championship last year. #TeamABP #OurPeople