Our union is member-led, and our structure reflects the core values that define us: solidarity, fairness, and representation.

At the helm of our leadership is our DEA President, Padraig McHale, and Vice Presidents Diarmuid Everard and Frank O’Flynn, who guide our Executive Council—the decision-making body of our organisation. Every member of the Council is elected by the membership to ensure that our leadership reflects the voices of those we represent.

Padraig McHale

DEA President

I’ve been proud to work with Aurivo across Retail Management, Sales, and now Customer Services. I Joined the DEA in 2012 and was elected Branch Chairman in 2018. I am honoured to have succeeded Diarmuid Kinsella as President of our Association and in doing so becoming the first person from Aurivo to assume the role.
Strong union representation is vital for everyone, especially Managers and Professionals in our industry. To all new employees: Join the DEA today—there’s power in unity, and together, we can achieve so much more!

Diarmuid Everard

Vice President

I began with Avonmore in the Mountmellick branch in 1997 and moved to the Donaghmore branch where I have been the Branch Manager since 2006. I joined the DEA to be well represented in employment issues. A Tipperary man, who is interested in all sports.

Frank O’Flynn

Vice President

I joined the DEA on my first day of employment. The Association has been effective in advising & representing its Dairy/Agri business members (professional, technical, executive and scientific), including the provision of information on entitlements, employment rights, pension, pay and taxation to the benefit of members and the expert support and representation when required.

Niall Sherlock

CEO / General Secretary

An experienced industrial relations expert with over a decade’s experience working in Trade Unions, I’m dedicated to advocating for workers, strengthening collective agreements, professionally  advising and representing members. As leader of the Dairy Executives’ Association (DEA), one of Ireland’s oldest unions, I manage operations and work with the Executive Council to drive our strategic vision. Passionate about workers’ rights and solidarity, I’m honoured to serve and represent our members.

Sylvia Matthews

Assistant to General Secretary

Employed with the DEA for 22 years.  My experience and long service have been invaluable in supporting our members throughout the country, advocating for their rights, and ensuring that their voices are heard resolving disputes and negotiating favourable outcomes for our members. I hold a higher Diploma in HR and in Industrial Relations.

Our Executive Council are further supported by dedicated local representatives, ensuring that every member has a voice at both local and national levels.

Our CEO/General Secretary oversees the day-to-day operations of the DEA, working hand-in-hand with the Executive Council to set and execute the union’s strategic vision. Sylvia Matthews, currently Assistant to the General Secretary, brings extensive experience and a deep commitment to the DEA, ensuring our union continues to thrive and deliver for our members.

Jim Fitzharris 

DEA Trustee

A Carlow man, a Graduate of U.C.C.  and Boston College in Agri Food Science .
Lifetime employment in Glanbia up to Senior Management level.
Established Avonmore Fresh Milk Brand and Agri Grain Enterprise.
Founding Member of Avonmore Define Benefit Pension Scheme.
Active DEA Member and served in many roles at local and national level.

John O’Neill

DEA Trustee

Denis McSweeney 

Lisavaird Co-Op

I am Group Project  Accountant with Lisavaird Co Op  in West Cork since 2001. I previously worked with Dairgold Quality Feeds. I joined the DEA to give me security and comfort if I ever had a work related issue that needed addressing. My experience of the Association has been nothing but positive and it’s a great honour to be a serving  member of the DEA council.

Noel Heffernan 

Tipperary/Limerick Branch

I represent the Tipperary- Limerick branch on the central council. I worked with Tipperary Co-operative in various roles for most of my career. I now have a consultancy business in the food sector. I joined the DEA because it was a management representative organisation. It offers members a range of supports including employment rights, working and pension conditions.

John Looney

Bandon Co-Op

I have been in Bandon Co-op so long I am part of the furniture! I’m a long time member of the DEA and joined due to the professional representation it provides in particular in relation to Pension matters. I was honoured to join the Executive Council in 2024.

Frank Brennan

Lakeland Dairies

I am from a farming background in Co. Longford.  I graduated from UCD in 2004 with a B.Agr.Sci. I started working in Lakeland Dairies as a Technical Sales Representative in 2004. I am married with three children. It is a great honour to be an Executive Council Member on the DEA.

Roy Chapman

Tirlan

I grew up on a dairy farm in County Wexford. I graduated from UCD with a B Agr Sc in 2010. I worked with Grassland Agro before joining Glanbia in 2012. I am married with 2 children. I joined the DEA because the DEA represent my interests.

Joe Kehoe

Tirlan