A Message From Our New President
I am deeply honoured to assume the role of DEA President, becoming the first representative from Aurivo to hold this esteemed position.
Throughout my career at Aurivo, I have served in various roles across Retail Management, Sales, and most recently, Customer Services. Joining the DEA in 2012, I recognized the vital importance of workplace representation. In 2018, I was elected Branch Chairman, succeeding Andrew Champ upon his retirement, and began representing Aurivo on the DEA’s Central Council in 2019. In 2024, I was privileged to be elected Vice President.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our outgoing President, Diarmuid Kinsella, for his exemplary leadership and dedication over the past five years. I wish him every success in his future endeavours.
This past year marked a significant milestone for the DEA as we celebrated 125 years of advocating for Managers and Professionals across the Dairy, Food, and Drink industries. Our new logo honours our rich heritage while embracing our vision for the future. I’m also thrilled to announce the launch of our new website, which will serve as a hub for keeping our members informed and engaged.
Padraig McHale – DEA President
While 2024 brought positive growth in DEA membership, it was also a challenging year for our industry. Tirlán’s restructuring resulted in the loss of 150 jobs, highlighting the critical need for strong workplace representation. Now, more than ever, our union’s role is indispensable.
I am confident in the DEA’s ability to provide robust and professional support for our members. I urge you to encourage your colleagues to join us—because there is strength in numbers. Together, we can build a stronger future for our industry.
Thank you for your continued trust and support.