A NEW book which shows the perseverance and innovation, which led to the setting up of Barryroe Co-op 100 years ago will be launched next week.

Written by Philip O’Regan, it tells the comprehensive history of the society and also includes material on the history of the Barryroe area and background information on the dairy industry in general.

‘It is difficult to imagine just how different Ireland was in 1925 when Barryroe was founded. When the need was greatest a group of local men, under the guidance of the local parish priest Fr Jeremiah Burke, set about organising local farmers and established a creamery co-operative,’ said Philip.

‘The founding members of Barryroe Co-operative Creamery Limited embraced the ethos of cooperation. They realised that for farmers to prosper they must join together to organise their business. These men were pioneers and had a vision. They established a co-op that would operate commercially for the benefit of its members, and which would benefit the whole community.’

The co-op was set up initially for the production and sale of butter, which was then one of Ireland’s largest agricultural exports.

Under the brandname ‘Maid of Ibane’, Barryroe-made butter quickly established a very good reputation.

Until the Carbery Milk Products plant opened in Ballineen in the late 1960s, Barryroe’s business was predominantly based on the production of butter.

‘Throughout its 100-year history, Barryroe has been noted for its innovation. In 1953 Barryroe was the first agricultural group in Western Europe to provide its own full-time agricultural advisory service,’ said Philip.

‘In more recent times, Barryroe has diversified its range of businesses to include a number of subsidiaries, including Staunton Foods Limited and Barryroe Properties, among others,’ added Philip.

The launch takes place on Thursday October 23rd at the Courtmacsherry Hotel at 8pm, and Barryroe invites its shareholders, suppliers, customers and friends to attend.