Dara and Beatrix Killeen, dairy farmers from Meelick, Eyrecourt, Co. Galway, run Ban Oir, a 165-acre spring-calving, grass-based dairy farm milking around 150 cows. Dara, a fourth-generation farmer, grew up on a mixed beef and sheep farm before converting the family enterprise into a modern dairy operation in 2019, while Beatrix, a trained lawyer with a passion for food, brings business, legal, and strategic expertise to the farm and is now pursuing a Master’s in Nutrition, combining her interest in food systems with hands-on involvement in daily farm life.
Outside of farming, Dara and Beatrix are active in the wider agricultural community. Dara hosts farm walks, mentors fellow farmers, and participates in Teagasc, Aurivo, and national dairy initiatives, while Beatrix serves on the board of Dairy Women Ireland and advocates for women in agriculture, sustainability, and nutrition awareness. They are raising two young children, Isabella and Oliver, who are already immersed in the rhythms of farm life, helping with calves and paddock tasks, reflecting the family-centred nature of the enterprise.
Their commitment to environmental stewardship includes responsible grassland management, clover-rich and multi-species swards, efficient nutrient use, and practices that protect local wildlife and habitats, including 100 acres within the Shannon Callows Special Area of Conservation. Recognised for their progressive approach to dairy farming, Dara and Beatrix have received numerous accolades, including FBD Young Farmer of the Year, a CellCheck Award, and overall winners and Champions of Sustainability at the Aurivo Milk Quality Awards, cementing their reputation as leading voices for modern, sustainable Irish dairying.
