O'Shea Farms | Always Growing

Always Growing

Welcome to O’Shea Farms

The O’Shea Family have been farming on the banks of the River Suir in Piltown, Co. Kilkenny for over 200 years. We take great pride in continuing to care for our land before passing it on to the next generation. Our products are harvested in the Suir Region, and delivered to retailers and wholesalers around the country – freshly, simply, daily.

We work in partnership with Iverk Produce, supplying them with potatoes and carrots. Working locally with over 50 growing partners in the South East allows us to maximise the freshness of our produce. O’Shea Farms are verified members of Bord Bia’s Sustainable Horticulture Assurance Scheme (SHAS).

The foods we grow are good for you and good for our planet

Our Produce

Potatoes

For many years, several thousand tonnes of white potatoes, grown specifically for the chip shop trade, have been imported from the UK and Spain. Since 2020…

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Carrots

O’Shea Farms supply fresh Irish carrots to Iverk Produce for 10 months of the year. During the winter months we cover our carrot…

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Milk and Cereals

We produce top quality milk from our dairy herd. The herd’s grazing platform is located close to the River Suir…

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History

The O’Shea family have farmed on the banks of the River Suir in Piltown, Co Kilkenny since the early 1800’s. Thomas O’Shea came from Kerry and settled in Ardclone, Piltown. Records show that in 1828, Thomas was renting 21 acres from Frederick Ponsonby, the 3rd Earl of Bessborough in the Barony of Iverk.

Today the family farm over 1,500 acres, running with the support of many dedicated staff. Eight members of the O’Shea family work in various roles. Current directors are cousins James and TJ O’Shea, the sixth generation of O’Shea’s to farm the land at Ardclone.

Our Story

1943

In 1943 Thomas O’Shea married Eileen Kearns and they had six children together. Thomas kept 20 milking cows, hens and pigs. He also grew corn, vegetables, potatoes and had a small orchard along with raspberries and blackcurrants. Eileen sold eggs, apples, potatoes, other vegetables and soft fruits grown on the farm in local farmer markets. She took an active role in the business.

1969

By 1969 they were farming 195 acres, with a mixture of dairy, beef, cereal, potatoes, vegetables and soft fruits.

1972

In 1972 four of Tom’s children - Richard, Seamus, John and Joe formed a partnership - O’Shea Brothers. While they were growing many different types of vegetables in the early 70s, they identified marketing of their produce as a project to be tackled.

1978

In 1978 they set up a chain of dedicated greengrocer shops in counties Kilkenny, Waterford and Tipperary - seven in total. This in turn led to the next new adventure.

1980

In 1980 Iverk Produce was established to supply quality fresh fruit and vegetables to wholesalers, retail shops, hotels, catering services and restaurants across the South East.

1992

In 1992 the company took another step forward when they amalgamated Iverk Produce with Fyffes/Total Produce. Through this joint venture Fyffes moved to a new premises in Piltown, creating many new opportunities.

1996

In 1996 Iverk Produce established a relationship with Musgraves (SuperValu and Centra), supplying them with potatoes and carrots.

1999

In 1999 Aldi Ireland established their first shop in Parnell Street Dublin and another in Ballincollig Co. Cork. Iverk Produce supplied fresh fruit and vegetables to them. This relationship has grown exponentially and currently stands at over 160 stores nationwide.

2009

In 2009 O’Shea Farms was established by the next generation of the family. James and TJ O’Shea took responsibility for all field operations, processing & packing, and marketing of their produce.

2015

In 2015 the O’Shea family invested in 960 photovoltaic panels on the rooves of their potato storage sheds. It was Ireland’s largest private solar investment at the time and displayed a major commitment to sustainable farming for the future.

2017

In 2017 O’Shea Farms made a major investment in Waterford based food company Meadow Fresh Foods who specialise in supplying ingredients and prepared vegetables to the food service, wholesale industry and food manufacturers.

2018

In 2018 John O’Shea passed away following a short illness. He will be remembered for his generosity and philanthropy. His brothers Dick and Seamus still take an active part in the family business, while their sons, TJ and James, are the current company directors.

2024

In 2024 O’Shea Farms joined forces with HelloFresh.ie to provide fresh ingredient meal kits, delivered to homes all around Ireland. Locally grown carrots and potatoes are delivered weekly and distributed within days, reducing the supply chain to the customer and reducing food waste and carbon emissions.

2024

Following over thirty years of partnership with Fyffes, Total Produce and Dole, Iverk Produce is once again fully under the ownership of the O’Shea family. They distribute locally grown fruits and vegetables to retail and wholesale outlets around Ireland.

Present

Currently the O’Shea family farm over 1500 acres, with an annual combination of cereals, carrots and potato varieties, along with managing a herd of spring calving dairy cows. Nine family members are actively engaged in the business.

Our Recipes

18 Minute Spudíní

Ingredients (serves 2-3) 400g baby potatoes 1 tablespoon of cooking oil…

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Baby Potato and Beef Curry

Ingredients (serves 2) 300g baby potatoes 200g beef mince 1 chilli…

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8 minute Garam Marsala Spudíní

Ingredients (serves 2-3) 400g baby potatoes 1 tablespoon of cooking oil…

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Our Partners

These partnerships ensure there is full control over production, grading, storage, packing and delivery – 100% traceability from field to fork.

Iverk Produce is the marketing arm of O’Shea Farms, distributing our carrots and potatoes to retailers and wholesalers throughout Ireland.

They also distribute Irish vegetables on behalf of other local growers to retailers and wholesalers.

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We also work in partnership with Meadowfresh Foods in Tallow, Co Waterford. They supply freshly prepared produce for the catering, manufacturing and hospitality industries.

They produce over 150 lines of prepared potatoes, fruits and vegetables for daily distribution around the South East.

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