Burren ice cream makes stage debut

Burren businesswoman, Bríd Fahey, has been named as one of the leading Irish innovators in agri-business.
Her achievements in developing the Linnalla Pure Irish Ice Cream brand were noted by judges at the prestigious FBD Women and Agriculture awards last week. The award, run in conjunction with The Farmers Journal, is the first of its kind to recognise the role of women in farm enterprises.
Bríd’s work in growing the business can be seen in a number of new breakthroughs. Soon the taste of Linalla will be introduced to a dramatic new audience, as the Abbey Theatre in Dublin has confirmed it will stock this natural treasure from the Burren. Local’s in Clare won’t have to go so far to taste any of the 30 Linnalla flavours, as Bríd is also opening a new ice cream parlour on her farm, perfect for people out sampling the beauty of the Burren.
The ice cream venture was founded as Brid looked at ways to add value to the family farm enterprise. As a dairy farm, adding value to milk through the development of premium ice cream was a logical choice. Starting small in 2006, they began by supplying local hotels. In four years the company has grown and now supplies most of the visitor centres on the west coast of Ireland. They have also landed a major contract with Irish convenience restaurant chain Supermacs, whom they supply nationwide.
Commenting on reaching the latter stages of the competition, Bríd said, “It was such an amazing feeling to get to the final. People having confidence in you and your product; that is a big lift. When someone tells you they believe in you, that you are making a good product that is such a huge boost. It helps you know that you are on the right track.
“We are so lucky to have beautiful ingredients on our doorstep. All around the Burren there are the natural ingredients that make our ice cream. Blackberries, gorse, rhubarb, sloes, rosehip, apple and Hazelnuts are all on our doorstep. This year we plan to involve local families in picking the crop of fruits for our ice cream. We want to make a harvest celebration and show children in particular the rich harvest that is on their doorstep.”
Conor Gouldson of FBD Trust welcomed the new awards scheme. “Because of our close association over the years with farm enterprises we know that women are central to the success of Irish agriculture.
“As we look to our farms to help revive our economy, it is vital that we recognise the people who are innovating at farm and agri – business level. These women are providing a spark for our food sector and helping to maintain Ireland’s world leading position as the food island.”
Mairead Lavery of the Irish Farmers Journal outlined the rationale behind the awards and why the newspaper had become involved.
“Women remain a significant force on Irish farms and for that to continue it is important that the next generation have role models they can emulate. These awards set out to recognise and acknowledge women who are excellent role models in farming and agri-business. As part of the farming community, the Farmers Journal wanted to lead this important initiative.”