Maher steps down at Hereford Prime

Outgoing Chairman of Irish Hereford Prime, Joe Maher, Ballydowel, Rathmoyle, Co. Kilkenny took the opportunity at the company's recent AGM to announce his retirement from the Chairmanship.

In his report to the meeting he stated that following six years at the helm he felt it was time to move over in favour of new blood. The past six years have been a very exciting time for the company, he said. The major partnership developed with a committed AIBP and Ireland's No. 1 food distributors, Pallas Foods had seen the brand go from strength to strength. He commended Don O'Brien of AIBP, Nenagh and his committed staff and Denis Murphy of Pallas for their support and enthusiasm for the product. Slaughtering is now carried out at Nenagh, Bandon, Rathkeale and Clones. The Hereford Prime brand is now recognised for the quality product that it is and the premium price for producers is well established.

Major highlights during his term at the helm, he said, included the Irish Food Writers Guild Award for dry aged Hereford Prime Beef, part of the prestigious SQ Range at the upmarket Superquinn supermarket group. Mairin Ni Chomain, Chairperson of the Food Writers Guild explained, “The awards are about one thing – true excellence. No one can enter or be entered for the award. Rather every member of the 29 strong Guild keeps their taste buds at the ready throughout the year and nominates products they believe are worthy of being honoured. The winners do not even know they are nominated until they are informed of the vote.”

On a very brief family visit to Portugal last autumn, Joe was exceedingly proud when browsing in the local supermarket to come across the Hereford Prime logo on the vac packed Hereford Prime supplied by AIBP, Rathkeale.

The recent agreement by Hereford Prime and Pallas Foods to supply its 10oz fillet exclusively to Dublin's hottest, hip and most talked about “Fire” restaurant at the Mansion House made all the hard work, late night meetings and effort worthwhile. On a typical evening at “Fire” over 400 meals are served in two sittings. The demand for and popularity of the product is typified by a recent evening's dining when 295 orders out of 400 were for Hereford Prime.

Joe's commitment in the position has been total. His reward, he says, is to see the product recognised and to see producers of Hereford cattle and breeders amply rewarded for their dedication to quality, from conception to consumption. While stepping down as Chairman, Joe remains a board member and will continue to serve while having more time for his family and his beloved Ballydowel Hereford Herd, which he runs with his father, Peter.

Photo:

Pictured at the presentation to Joe Maher at the recent Irish Hereford Prime AGM, are Don O'Brien, Manager CEO AIBP, Nenagh, Joe Maher, Lester Roe (incoming Chairman), Willie Branagan, Secretary, Hereford Prime and Chairman, Irish Hereford Society, and Liam Chadwick of AIBP.