Gerry began his working career in 1979 with Bord na Mona, the Irish National Peat Development Board, where he was a member of the land development section. Gerry had direct responsibility for the intensive bull beef finishing operations throughout Bord na Mona. This was a unique production system in Ireland at that time.
Gerry furthered his academic standing while studying in The Netherlands in 1982 at Vaganingen University. This was the second time Gerry was to study in The Netherlands, having spent six months there in 1979 as an exchange student.
In 1988, Gerry took up the position as feed-lot manager with the Irish Agricultural Development Company. He was responsible for developing efficient beef finishing systems for different market requirements. In excess of 12,000 cattle were slaughtered off this farm annually. New methods of storing forages and concentrates were developed. The feedlot grew to be the largest in Europe in the early 1990s.
Today Gerry is regarded an expert for animal nutrition and provides invaluable advice to farmers worldwide. He writes a column for the Farming Independent, a supplement to Ireland's largest selling daily newspaper Irish Independent. For Farm Tours Ireland he loves showing international visitors the unique Irish way of farming.
Aonghus gained a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture and a Bachelor of Agricultural Science when he studied in the Salesian College, Warrenstown and University College Dublin.
Upon completing his studies, Aonghus spent one year in Australia. During his stay, he gained valuable experience while working on a grass based farm in Victoria. The farm specialised in contract rearing in-calf heifers for dairy herds while also running a sheep flock. He traveled extensively throughout the continent encountering many different farm enterprises along the way.
Since his return he has been following in the footsteps of his father Gerry and is providing nutrition advice to numerous national and international farmers. Together with his sister Siobhán he is running the day-to-day business of Farm Tours Ireland and will happily assist you to plan your custom tour to Ireland.
Initially pursuing a career in Accountancy Siobhán obtained a Bachelor of Business and Law in University College Dublin and a Masters of Accountancy in NUI Galway. Working at PricewaterhouseCoopers PwC she gained invaluable insights into the world of finance and trade.
With the family business at Farm Tours Ireland growing she returned to join her father Gerry and her brother Aonghus to provide unforgettable experiences for international visitors to Ireland.
Siobhán is likely to be your first contact with us and she'll strive to shape a compelling tour itinerary for you and your group. She has been commended for creating a welcoming atmosphere to our guests and will happily provide the same to you.