Truly Irish has 85 Shareholders based all over Ireland. Some of their names can be seen on our new packaging.

CEO

Mike McAuliffe is CEO of Truly Irish Country Foods. He has been involved in the pig industry all his life. His father was a pig producer before him. It’s in his blood. His father, Jack, got into pigs in the 1970s because he simply couldn’t make money from the land he was farming in Knocknagoshel, Co Kerry.

In 1992, Jack died at the age of 59. Mike was then 27, “thrown in at the deep end” as he explains it. “It was sink or swim.” He chose to swim. Today Mike owns four separate pig farms where he produces more than 40,000 pigs each year. In addition, he runs a successful haulage business, McAuliffe Trucking, one of south west Ireland’s longest established haulage companies which provides a comprehensive haulage and food distribution service throughout Ireland, the UK, France, the Benelux countries and Germany. He is also managing director of 11 other companies.

He employs about 50 staff between his farms and the transport company. Mike “We simply refuse to compromise on quality for the sake of profit. The day we do that is the day that we walk away”.

Commercial Director

Joe O’Connor joined Truly Irish as Commercial Director on August 5th 2014. Joe has over 20 years experience in the retail industry and was previously Head of Sales at ADM Londis plc and also previously worked at BWG Foods Ltd and Mangan’s Wholesale.

He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from UCD, an MBA from University of Limerick and is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. Joe has a wealth of experience in retail sales, category management and strategic business development. Joe hopes to sustain and develop the ‘Truly Irish’ brand and bring further success to the Company.

Financial Controller

Sharon Reale has a degree in accounting and finance from Athlone IT and has 10+ years experience working in various book-keeping and accounting roles. She comes from a family business which she managed for 2 years and has a very hands on approach in the company.

Commercial Adminisrators

Anita Kazmierczak comes form Poland. She has lived in Ireland for over 10 years and has a background in retail. Anita assists with developing the European market and is fluent in 3 languages.

Sales Developer

Pat Byrne is the Sales Developer for the Munster / Connacht region. Pat previously managed large supermarkets before coming to truly Irish. He brings a wealth of experience to the role which he aids him in the development of business in the South and West of Ireland.

Export Sales Manager

Nick White is a Native of Killarney in County Kerry. He moved to the UK in 1974 and Qualified in Food Technology at Blackpool Polytechnic College. He chose a career path in Manufacturing and gained experience working for major companies such as Northern Foods, Allied Lyons, Dalgety Agriculture & Leathams Larder.

He set up various businesses focusing on New Food Processing Techniques for Retail Sectors (including major retailers), Food Service, Airlines and Export Markets.

He  is keen to expand the ‘TRULY IRISH’ message and the integrated Irish Food Chain  Offer in Europe the UK and beyond.